DREDGE MANCHESTER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 318, 6 July 1912, Page 5

DREDGE MANCHESTER.

THE NAUTICAL ENQUIRY. By Telegraph—rress Association. Christchurc'h, Last Night. The inquiry into the loss of the dredge Manchester opened before Mr. Bailey, S.M., and Captains Scoullar and Post. Mr. Percy Christie, assistant engineer of the Sydney Harbor Trust, said that he saw the Manchester got ready for sea. A false bottom was put in and the buckets removed, but the ladder was left in position. She carried 52 tons of spare gear, including 30 tons on deck. The Marine Department's agent at Lyttelton refused permission to carry 30 tons of coal on deck, but the Department in Wellington gave authority. The vessel was insured at Home for £II,OOO, the premium being £550 for the run across. She v' s insured for more than the purchase p. » but extra work added £ISBB to the co. The crew numbered twenty-four, and the chief engineer's wife was aboard. She had two deck hands and a steward in excess of requirements. She was loaded to the plimsoll mark. The vessel carried 750 tons, and mark 19 was above water when she left Lyttelton. The search cruise of the Eden covered 5500 miles, the charter alone costing £1523. He believed that the vessel had been lost in a heavy storm. Captain Marciel, marine superintendent, said that Captain Stuart was satisfied with the arrangements. P. J. Gorman, surveyor of ships, said that he gave a certificate that the vessel was seawortliy. The court announced that its decision would be given in the evening.