THE VICTORIA COURT MARTIAL.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 7267, 21 July 1893, Page 1

THE VICTORIA COURT MARTIAL.

(Pbb Electric Telegraph—Copyright. )

[Pee Press Association.] (Received 5.10 p m. f July 20th.) London, July 19.

In his evidence at the Court-martial to-day Rear-Admiral Markham said that he thought that Admiral Tryon meant to circle round the outside of H.M.S. Oamperdown, which would have been a safe evolution.

(Received 0.50 a.m., July 21st.)

At the Court-martial to-day, ViceAdmiral Sir M. Culrae Seymour stated that according to the signal book Admiral Tryon’s signal to the fleet allowed of only one interpretation. Rear-Admiral Markham replied that his alternative interpretation allowed of a safe evolution, while the other was dangerous. Rear-Admiral Markham being closely pressed with respect to his reason, admitted that he had never seen such a manoeuvre as the one which he suggestedAdmiral Tryon had frequently attempted evolutions which he (Rear-Admiral Markham) only understood when Admiral Tryon had explained them. The Captain of the Oamperdown deposed that he was confident that turning in six cables would compel a collision, until Rear-Admiral Markham had suggested that Admiral Tryon intended to circle outside the second division. Personally he was not convinced that the Victoria intended to do so.

(Special to Press Association.)

(Received 11 a.m., July 20th.) London, July 19.

At the Court-martial Captain Bourke stated that Admiral Tryon never consulted the staff with regard to the evolutions.

Admiral Markham gave evidence that he forgot Admiral Tryon’s “memorandum, allowing Commanders to use their own dircretion when dangerous evolutions were being performed. Lord Gillford, the flag-lieutenant, was the only person who heard Admiral blame himself for the disaster.