WOOL FIRES COMMISSION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13835, 23 February 1907, Page 10

WOOL FIRES COMMISSION.

(Pjs Unhid Pkiss Association.)

WELLINGTON, February 22. The Wool Fires Commission sat here last evening *to obtain information concerning the fire on the barque Pitcairn Island, abandoned on tlio voyage .from Wellington to London.

William Waddilove, a survivor, was the first witness. Ho deposed that prior to leaving Wellington for Dunedin the vessel loaded a considerable quantity of tow or flax. Ho saw a lot of treacle-coloured stuff in tho ship's bilge. This was bailed out with buckets, and it stained witness' hands, but did not burn Jiim. He was informed it was some kind of slieep dip. He did not know of any ascetio acid on tho vessel.

Dr M'Arthur here interposed, and said he knew ascctio aeid was on the ship, as a claim came before him in regard to the matter.

Witness wont on to say that about a fortnight bfore the fire a permanont hatchway was opened with difficulty and lanterns taken down went out.

Claude E. Lambert, another survivor, stated that about 700 bales of tow were taken on board, but the holds were thoroughly clean and free from water. The commission has adjourned sine die.