AWARUA INQUIRY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17185, 8 November 1926, Page 11

AWARUA INQUIRY

THE MAKURA'S PART FURTHER EVIDENCE HEARD (Fer Press- Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. When, the Awarua inquiry was resumed to-day Captain Sawyers said that, when the Makura was first sighted about six seven mill's away he ordered ji, signal to be sent. "Short of coiii—send assistance." which apparently was acknowledged. Later another message was sent, "Short of coal —stand by me." No reply was received ami he then sent up l.wo distress signals. The lights of the Makura were still in sight. The lamps used were quite satisfactory for ordinary signalling. Two tons of coal were (hen on board, unci he did not anticipate any danger, lie did not consider the Makura reduced speed. John Stephen, mate of the Awarua. said, he sent a succession of V's, which meant. "Assistance wanted—remain by me." These were not acknowledged. He then sent "Please stand by me," and reeeiveed :i query. ''What ship." Olliver Clifford Bray, second nflicor or the Makura. said that lie was on watch when he sighted the lights of a vessel four o/tivo miles away. Ten minutes afterwards he received it message, "Short of coal —send assistance." Witness acknowledged the message and then sent a signal, "What's your name." lie could not understand the reply, and did'not see any further signals or rockets. Witness said he assumed that the Awarua was merely short of coal and wished the .Makura to send for assistance. Captain Davcy said that efforts were made without success to read the other ship's name. He watched the Awarua until she was out of sight and did not see any distress rockets. A hard wind was blowing at the time and the sea was tough. The speed was not slackened or the course altered, as the Makura passed within a mile and a half of the Awarua. Ho considered he had done all that was required by the message, which did not indicate that the ship was in dist ress.