TAHITI INQUIRY ENDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1076, 13 September 1930, Page 1

TAHITI INQUIRY ENDS

TECHNICAL EXPERTS GIVE EVIDENCE FINDING NEXT WEEK Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. When the marine inquiry into the loss of the Tahiti was resumed yesterday afternoon Mr. D. A. Gibb, fifth engineer, said that between 4 a.m. and 4.20 a.m. he was in the shaft tunnel, when everything was all right. He detailed turning the power off and the stopping of the engines. He said that he saw water coming through the bulkhead door as the second engineer came out of the tunnel. It was about one minute between the time the engines raced and the time the door was shut. He took a quick glance and saw fvater coming from the bottom and sides of the door. The supposedly watertight door seemed to close perfectly and worked quickly. Other evidence of a technical nature was given by members of the engine room and stokehold staffs. All agreed that the noise was terrific and that then the engines raced. Robert Gillies, assistant-superintend-ing engineer to the Union Steam Ship Company, produced survey records showing that the vessel was classed as At in 1328. The starboard tail-shaft was replaced in 1928 and the stern shaft in 1929. The vessel had been due for a complete survey in October, 1930.

Captain John Foster, marine superintendent of the Union Company, gave evidence of the vessel’s insurance. Despite her age of 26 years the Tahiti’s plates were still good and in advance of Lloyd’s requirements. Mr. Kirkcaldie, tor the master and deck officers, said the inquiry was unique because cf the complete absence of any suggestion of .any dereliction of duty ./hich he thought the court should place on record, together with the fact that all the members of the crew worthily upheld the traditions of the service.

Mr. White, on behalf of the Union Company, supported Mr. Ivirkcaldie's remarks and said thanks should be recorded to the captain, officers and crew of the Penybryn for their assistance. The work of the Ventura had already been recognised. Mr. Page said the court would take time to consider the evidence and its finding would probably be delivered next week.