THE WAIRUNA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVI, Issue 16355, 3 October 1917, Page 7

THE WAIRUNA.

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS OF COUNSEL, ALLEGED LAXITY OF SHIPOWNERS. ■'■ . AUCKLAND, Oct. 1. A Court of Inquiry regarding th<J steamer Wairuna was opened this morning. Mr Mays, counsel for the Crown, mentioned that the vessel took a deck load of coal as she had a long voyage •But a. permit was issued only after a special survey toy on« of Lloyd's surveyors. The cargo consisted of »kauri gum, hemp, pelts, copra, and cocoa, which, when carefully stored involved no special risk The facts that he had gathered showed a lamentable absence of precaution against enemy action, apart from naval action. No precaution of any value had been taken locally to protect snips and crews leaving New Zealand. He had evidence with regard to the probability of enemy action up to a certain sta<re and preparations had been made to get more. It might be necessary to hold this portion of the inquiry in camera, though, if taken in opeii Court, it might have the effect of arousing public opinion as to the extraordinary laxity on the part of shipowners in taking precautions for the safety of their ships. When the Court had seen the manifest of tho Wairuna and the character of the persons who shipped the cargo, it would come to the conclusion that something must be done to protect ships. At the* end of Mr Mays's address he referred to the reports of mysterious boats that had been seen in the Pacific. At this stage Mr Mays intimated that he had some important disclosures to make to the Court privately, and the Bench withdrew for consultation. ' t On resuming it was- announced that the Court had adjourned until 2 p.m. * '' ~- WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. Replying to Mr Payne in the House to-night, the Prime Minister said he must decline to offer any comments on! the remarks made at the Wairuna inquiry, that.master being sub judice. / AUCKLAND, Oct. 2. The Wnirnna inquiry was adjourned for a fortnight after the Court had considered a communication from Wellington^