THE STAR OF CANADA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10401, 15 July 1912, Page 5

THE STAR OF CANADA.

THE MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY. Per Press Association. Gisborne, July 16. The Magisterial inquiry into the stranding of the Star of,j Canada opened this morning, before Mr Barton, S.M., and Captains Post and Ohrisp, assessors. Mr F. W. Nolan represented tbs [Customs, Mr O. Myers, Oaptain Hart land Mr Alston Ooleman, Gisborne Harhpur,Board. Oaptain Hart deposed that he anchored at the usual anchorage for ocean steamers which he had used repeatedly for nine years, always finding a good holding on the ground. On Sunday, 213 rd, the wind became squally in the afternoon, but the sea was moderate. The steamer waa lying quietly. The squalls increasing at 7.45 p.m., he gave orders to port and the anchor to be got ready, and also called the chief engineer, who said he would take half an hour at tbe longest to warm the engines up. Steam was already up to ISOlbs. pressure. Witness continued to watch the ship which was riding quiet easily with no alteration in her bearings. At 10 80 he left the deck for a few moments, leaving the third officer in charge. At 10.40 tbe officer called that there was a black squall coming down. Witness returned to the deck and decided to proceed to sea. There was no increase in the wind or sea, bat he was Ailed with confidence in tbe anchorage. He might lose his bearings and not be able to find a way oct and gave orders .to tbe chief engineer to get ready immediately.