THE SCOW RONA.

NZ Truth, Issue 217, 21 August 1909, Page 4

THE SCOW RONA.

WAS SHE UNSEAWORTHY?

The scow Rona, which was piled up on | the beach m March last whilst engaged on a treasure hunt, has been responsible for some trouble m the past, and has made a respectable addition to her record by lumbering Sobastian Newson, one of the treasure-hunters, who on Thursday last was charged with being (1) party to sending her to sea m aa uftsea worthy condition, and (2) to sending her to sea man unseaworthy condition so as to endanger the lives of her crew, notably one Charles Whipper. Sebastian, who is no relation to his namesake the explorer, although he seems to have his adventurous spirit, took his seat alongside M.P.jand "Costs" Herdman at Beak RiddelFs convocation on Thursday afternoon, and said he was not guilty. Mick Myers, with a staggering; bundle of hooks under his arm and Collector of Customs Nixon m tow, looked after the interests of the preferential tariff people. The scow apparently . sprung a leak badly when she got outside the heads, and m spite of the strenuous efforts of the crew m bailing, HAD TO BE BEACHED AT PALLISER BAY. She was the property of Bartolo Russo | of Rona Bay, and was engaged m trying to recover cargo from a sunken vessel m Pallisier Bay. Collector of Customs Nixon said he know of the ship Rona. No clearance was obtained on or prior to March 6 for her j for a voyage to Palliser Bay. Witness laid the present information with the consent of the Minister. Charles -Whipper said he was formerlyan able seaman, and is at present a temporary warder at the Terrace jug. ■ He was m charge of the ship for Mr Newman. He told Newman that he was only an A. B. and had no ticket, and was told that didn't matter, as the Duco would tow her out. He was to get £2 10s per week and 2 per cent, of the salvage. The vessel was not seaworthy and started leaking alongside the centre casing AVhcn they got outside. All night they were employed at the pumps. The leak was caused by the engines having been taken out of the vessel and the pfp'os not closed. The pump was not m order and two buckets were used. The vessel was not fit to ro to sea at all. i William Littler, once an A.8., but now j employed at the Empire Hotel, was ons of the crew of the Rona. He was to get £2 per week and 1 per cent, of the salvage as salary. The scow was unseawor- . Ihy bevause hrr fmbcrs "worked." The men had to bail all night. Henry Andrews, who is a chartered accountant, and occasionally a bagman, but who was a member of the crew of the Rona, stated the boat leaked very badly . and the water was up to his waist. The j pump was broken m half, and they were j bailing with cups, pans, or auythimr tbey could jret a hold of. The leak did not (rain on them, as when it showed signs of doing so they "got a spurt on." Defendant reserved his defence and was commit ted to the Supreme Court for trial. Bail was allowed— self In £50, and one surety of £50 t