THE MISSING QUIRAING. SOME SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE SYDNEY, September 10.

Otago Witness, Issue 2631, 17 September 1902, Page 15

THE MISSING QUIRAING. SOME SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE SYDNEY, September 10.

The inquiry regarding the missing steamer Quiraiug has opened. Carlbon, the doukeyman, stated that he left the vessel owing to the large quantity of water foifud below. Just before sho sailed on her last voyage there was 2ft of water in the hold, 4ft in the engine room, and 2ft in the bunkers. The vessel's hatches, too, were open, and with the heavy seas the water got below. ) Gardner, fireman, left the Quiraing [ because of the water below. Smith, late third engineer, considered the vessel in every way seaworthy. Edmunds, sailor, left the vessel because he did not think her safe. He told the captain his reason, and he alleges that the latter replied : " I wish I could do the same myself." The inquiry was adjourned. September 14. At the Quiraing inquiry, Hill, a former seaman on the vessel, stated that the Quiraing was the worst ship to steer he had ever been aboard. The steering chains gave way more than once, and they had had to steer with the wheel on the aft deck. The hoists were often full of water. The hatches were not in a •satisfactory condition. Mr M'Cartney, consulting engineer, said the Quiraing had been in the highest class at Lloyd's, but had been allowed to drop out. Evans, a stevedore who loaded the ship for the last trip, declared that she was absolutely dry throughout. He put more coal aboard on the previous trip than on. the last occasion. Brett, a sailmaker, deposed that ho supplied a new hatch tarpaulin in March. He considered the hatches in good condition. The inquiry Vu adjourned till Friday.