LOSS OF THE WAIRUNA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11367, 13 October 1917, Page 4

LOSS OF THE WAIRUNA.

FINDINS OF COURT INQUIRY.

DRASTIC BUT NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS.

AUCKLAND, Last Night.

The finding of the Court of Inquiry into the loss of the Wairuna is:—“lt is highly probable the loss was caused by enemy action either through the operation of a raider or through the placing of a timed bomb on boaid the vessel before she left port. Of those two th» latter Is the more probable cause.” The Oourt makes the following recommendations for serious and urgent consideration by the Government;—(l) 4 That stricter precautions be taken to prevent tho approach of' unauthorised persons to vessels and wharves. (2) That stricter precautions be taken to prevent undesirable men being employed on vessels and wharves. (3) That firms having members of alien enemy nationality be not permitted to ship goods. (4) That all persons going on board vessels be and all luggage be taken on to vessels be examined. (5) That all cargo for shipment be packed under Government super*' vision and bo retained thereafter under Government control until shipped. (6) That if there arc cases where compliance with the immediately preceding, recommendations is not practicable, in such cases packages be retained in Government control for an indefinite tiuitf before shipment.