The Wairarapa Disaster Enquiry.

Opunake Times, Volume I, Issue 46, 7 December 1894, Page 4

The Wairarapa Disaster Enquiry.

Auckland, December 3. At the resumption of the Wairarapa enquiry to-day counsel addressed the court." Mr Cooper, for the marine authorities, pointed out that the enquiry came under two heads—casualty, including loss of life at the wreck as well as the conduct of Captain Mcintosh before the wreck. He left the first, second, and fourth officers in the hands of the court. Mr Button, for the friends of the deceased captain, admitted the captain had not taken proper precautions, but, with his reputation for carefulness, these did not amount to recklessness. Mr Cotter, on behalf of the officers, held that the evidence of the officers showed they did all they could after the wreck, while the captain, being on the bridge up to the time of the casualty, relieved them of responsibility. Mr Campbell, for the Union Company submitted that the two alterations in the course at 10 and 10.30 showed the captain was under the impression he was near Poor Knights. Everything pointed to the ship being carried beyond her E.S.E. course, and the discipline of men and boats was all that could be desired, but for the vessel's list, the boats could have been launched all right. The court will intimate to counsel when the judgment of the court will be delivered.