THE VESTRIS INQUIRY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16807, 21 November 1928, Page 8

THE VESTRIS INQUIRY

ASSISTANCE OF EXPERTS BRITISH RESPONSIBILITY (British Official Wireless.) Roc. 2 p.m. s RUGBY, Nov. 20. At the suggestion of the British Government, Mr. Frank O'Neill, the United States commissioner who is presiding at the inquiry into the disaster to the Vostris, which foundered off the American coast with a heavy loss of life, was joined yesterday on the bench by two nautical experts, of whom one has been appointed by the British Government and one by the United States Government. The British expert is Captain Henry McConkv, superintendent of the Guiiaid Line. The nautical experts will act ns advisers and question witnesses, fulfilling very milch tiio same duties as nautical assessors in the British Admiralty Court.

Many questions were asked in the House of Commons to-day regarding the loss of the Vostris. In replying, Mr. Williams, Under-Secretary of the Board of Trade, said the form of the inquiry to he held in this country was not yet decided. but the, inquiry would cover all material points. As to the responsibilities of the Board of Trade, "Mr. Williams said all passenger ships trading to and from ports in this country weie thoroughly suivcyed Lv the Board of Trade surveyors at least’ once a year. All ocean-going vessels carrying large numbers ol thirdclass passengers underwent a further survey before the beginning of each voyage. Asked whether inspectors of llie Board of Trade had any responsibility for the 'proper stowage of cargo below decks, Mr. Williams replied that ibis responsibility did not- intervene unless there was reason to think the ship was improperly loaded, and could not go to sea without danger to life. He added that all British liners carried boats for all aboard, and in addition rafts for up to 25 per cent, of the number of persons aboard.