EXPLOSION ON KAIAIA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19407, 17 February 1925, Page 8

EXPLOSION ON KAIAIA.

CARRIAGE OF BENZINE. NAUTICAL INQUIRT OPENED. (Pub United Press Association ) •WELLINGTON, February 16. The inquiry Into the explosion on the auxiliary scow Kaiaia last November was opened to-duy. The facts were that the vessel, laden with 1230 cases of motor spirit, was anchored off the wharf. A :member of the crew filled a riding lamp, and as he struck a light a heavy explosion occurred, two holes being blown in the bow and the ship went on fire. Mr Meredith, for the superintendent of the Mercantile Marine, said the suggestion was that the explosion was caused by petrol fumes getting from the hold to the forepeak and someone going there with a naked light. The circumstances were such that it was fed that, the court might obtain sufficient evidence to make some general suggestion on the carriage of benzine. Cs.pta.in Stewart, master of the Kaiaia, said that eight or 10 cases of benzine were rejected because they were leaking. There must have been a leak somewhere and the fumes got into the forepeax, causing an explosion. David Bell, engineer and surveyor, said - ho did not think the bulkheads were reliable in wooden ships. There was a risk 1 ■ id wooden vessels of the bulkheads nor remaining tight during the whole period jf the certificate. The inquiry was adjourned. |