A ROYAL COMMISSION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2734, 8 August 1906, Page 21

A ROYAL COMMISSION.

THE SCOPE OF THE INQUIRY.

WELLINGTON, August 2. Dr M'Arthur (stipendiary magistrate a€ Wellington), Captain Blackburno ' (nautical adviser to the Government), and Mr W G-. Foster (manager ■of the Assets Board's estates) have been appointed a Royal Commission to inquire into the recent fires im cargoes of wool-laden ships. r

WELLINGTON, August 3. ' The commission set up to inquire into the question of fire on wool ships sets out; the following: — Whereas it is expedient to appoint a commission to inquire into ' and report upon the cause of fire on ships whose cargo is composed wholly or partly of wool, flax, tow, or other combustible) material, and as to what such commission considers necessary to ensure the shipment of such cargo and its conveyance from New Zealand to its. destination in such a , condition that it wiTi not be liable to fire from spontaneous combustion or any other cause, and also as to the necessity or expediency of amending the existing law with respect thereto, the members of tho commission are instructed to inquire into every matter or thing touching the premkc9 in such manner and at such times as they deem expedient. The commission is authorised to have before it, and to examine, all bookr, papers, plans, and writings necessary for its information on the subject, and to examine on oath or otherwise witnesses and other persons capable of affording 1 information.

A report is to be returned within 30 days from the 2nd inst., or sooner if possible. Dr M 'Arthur will be chairman of the commission.