AWARUA’S DRIFT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 7 October 1926, Page 7

AWARUA’S DRIFT.

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY ADJOURNED / By Telegraph—Press Association ■ WELLINGTON, October 6. file inquiry opened to-day regarding the recent misadventure of the small steamer Awarua. which, during had weather, on a passage' from the Chathams, ran short of coal, and was eventually located bv tlio Diinndin mul toured to Wellington. Mr W. G. Riddell presided. Air Taylor represents the Marino Department, and Mr White tho owners oF tho vessel, Fisheries, Ltd. The master of the Awarua, Captain Sawyers, said ho had been in eommnnd for 18 months. She left Chat.luuns with full bunkers and ten tons reserve, a total of 28 tons. When she reached Cape Pallium- five tons wero loft, mid this ho considered ample for Wellington to be reached. The wind increased and the vessel made no headway for about two hours. At 8 o’clock that evening two tons were left, and signals of distress were sent out to the Mnkura, but no assistance was forthcoming from there. The force of the wind prevented him steering the vessel, so im put the engines slow and started to go back to Cape Palliser to signal for assistance and tell the lighthouse-keep-er to instruct anyone coming alter him the lino to follow. Witness related how he set sail and was blown far to sen. He steered last north-west to escape shipping water and eventually ran before a storm until picked up by the Dunedin. Mr AY- T. A T oung, for the Seamen’s Union asked what time the Makura was sighted. Witness said 8 o’clock in tlie evening. Air Kirkaldine (tor the Alerchant Service Guild), objected to Mr Young’s questions. Baying the irmafry was bow the vessel ran short of coal. _ They did not want evidence that might be detrimental to somebody not in Court. Air Riddell said the matter could be left in bis hands. ' Eventually be atlmimied the inquiry sine die, ponding the return of the Afakura.