THE BARQUE E MILIE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6834, 23 April 1890, Page 3

THE BARQUE E MILIE.

— » Nautical Enquiry. A Coffin Ship. Provision for the Survivors. [Pee Pebsß Association.] INYERCARGILL, Apbil 22 A nautical inquiry opened to-day, before Mr Rawscn, U.K., and Captain Greig, assessor, into the circumstances of the wreck of the barque Emilie, which left the Bluff with a cargo of timber for Port Pirie, on March 26. George Green, one of the survivors, deposed that the day after sailing the vessel was struck by a squall. Every effort was madetorightherbut she went on her broadside and the boats broke adrift. When she heeled over the cabin and the forward deckhouse fell out, the fore and mainmast went v by the board, and the raizen topmast broke off. The vessel then righted herself, bnt before this the captain and seven men were drowned. She had been pumped out every two hours from the Bluff, and waa not making much, water till struck by the squall. From the way Bhe lay over she must then have been full of water. It was not possible that the cargo shifted. Witness considered the vessel was in a very bad state, everything about her being old and rotten, bolts falling out, and rigging much worn. He had made no complaints to the officials, but spoke to several people about her condition. He sailed because he had signed articles, and wbb not supposed to know whether the vessel was good or bad. fLATER.] At the inquest on the late mate of the Emilie, evidence as to the condition of the vessel was stopped, because it was stated an enquiry would be held to-day, Mr Borrie, Collector of Customs, informed the Nautical Court before whom the enquiry is going on, that the vessel being foreign owned, Section 3 of the Shipping and Seamen's Act would not apply, and that it waa questionable whether the enquiry was legal. It waa only held because all evidence regarding the wreck had not been taken by the Coroner at the inquest on the mate. The Coroner then had full power to go into all the circumstances of the oaae. The enquiry is still proceeding. It is intended to give the three survivbr3 of the barque Emilie a kit costing £15 each, a donation of a few pounds apiece, and, if possible, to find them with berths when they are able to resume duty. ■