THE TAINUI INQUIRY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11927, 21 October 1919, Page 5

THE TAINUI INQUIRY.

Per Press Association

Christchurch, Oct. 30,

James Powell, engineer on the Tainui to November last, said the insulation was poor. He had seen damaged parts patched with wood from a kerosene case. The Tainui was not suitable for - carrying benzine. The bilge running fore and aft was absolutely dangerous with benzine cargoes. Witness wrote direct to the Company calling attention to the state of the affcerhold, which was dangerous from the tire point of view. Witness found that the complaints were not attended to. He knew that one branch shipping manager did not forward to the head office a letter of complaint by witness and the engineer, the main reason given being that the manager did not consider it necessary. The refrigerating machinery on the Tainui was first-class. He thought the pumice used in the Tainui’s insulation was not the same as that on exhibition in the Court. The bulkhead door leading into the engine room was not partially adjusted until he put the holts in. ""and for a period he packed the sides of the door with oakum. He did not report as to the danger subsequently because he considered the complaints would not be heeded.

After the conclusion of Powell’s evidence, the bench announced its intention, of visiting the wreck in order to ascertain what the insulation of the holds consisted of, and how it was constructed. Powell said that a model (produced) of a section of the insulation of the bulkheads was not correct. In reference to allegations made by certain captains employed in the Refrigerating Company’s vessels chat they were ordered to sail through Cook Strait by night whilst the daylight sailing regulations were in force, Mr Raymond produced the official log book of the Mana, one of the company’s vessels This showed that the Mana had frequently sailed through Cook Strait by night, whilst the regulations were in force. As far as could he ascertained, the Tainui had also sailed through the Strait by night on several occasions.

The President: What the bench cannot understand is why the Marine Department did not take action in the matter. Alexander A. Bickertou, Government analyst, stated that the materials of which the holds of the Tainui were made were unsuitable for the carriage of benzine. The materials were inflammable and absorbed benzine —two fatal objections.

Neil O. Hood, Government surveyor of ships, said he surveyed the Tainui at Lyttelton on May Ist last. She was built of first-class material, was well constructed and sound, as also was the insulation. Ho considered the disaster had occurred through benizue fames getting into a confined space between the insulation and the skin of the ship. As the Tainui had been carrying benzine prior to the disaster it was probable that liquid benzine had soaked through the insulation, and vapourised fumes would then move towards the outlet under the bulkhead and into the bunkers. He was of the opinion that after the fires iiad been cleaned out on the morning of the disaster the fools used, which would be red hot, were put between the boiler and the bunker, with the redhot end resting on the plate of the floors. This red-hot point would ignite the .benzine vapour with which it came in contact The fire would pass through the timbers to the bilges, along under the forward hold, and the explosion would probably take place in the confined space under the hold. The inquiry was adjourned till tomorrow.

Tlie visit to tlio Taiuui will take place when the hearing of the evidence la concluded.