MISSING CANASTOTA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16538, 23 September 1921, Page 7

MISSING CANASTOTA.

REGULATIONS NOT COMPLIED WITH. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright al . u* t p l l /> —» nt.Z. C»bk. A psociation. (Received September 23. 11.25 a.m.) BRISBANE, September 23. In t-lie Assembly Mr J. A. Fihelly (Attorney-General and Treasurer), replying to questions, said that the local agents of the Canastota did not, in j accordance with the regulations, apply for a permit to load a cargo of benzine before her departure. The usual inspection was not made during and prior to the departure, the shipping inspector being unaware that the vessel was loading inflammable oil. { Mr Fihelly added that lie approved ) of the recommendation that legal proi ceedings should be taken in connection j with the alleged default. j The Oa nas tot a has been missing for j some weeks. She loft Sydney on June ! 13 last bound for Wellington, on route to New York. She carried altogether ’50,000 cases of benzine. Various theories have been advanced in shipping circles regarding the probable fate of the Canastota, but the one finding most support is that an explosion occurred amongst the benzine, and that the vessel foundered with all ban d s.