THE HAWEA INQUIRY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 11287, 5 July 1888, Page 2

THE HAWEA INQUIRY.

CAPTAIN HANSBY EXONERATED KKOJI BLAME. (Per United Press Association). Wellington, July 4. 'I'he Hawea inquiry was continued this morning. George Bhind, Engineer to the New Plymouth Harbour Board, gave evidence, proving having swept the bottom of the harbour with a chain about the locality where the Hawea was supposed to have struck, and finding no obstruction. The following day he was told by a Maori that a rock existed about 400 feet in shore from where the Hawea lies, and he examined the place and found a rock. John Bell, diver, proved having made a thorough survey of the bottom, but found nothing. This closed the case for. the prosecution. Mr Edwards said that he would call no' evidence for the defence. The Court then adjourned till afternoon, when Mr Edwards will address for the defence. L vr.m. The nautical inquiry into the wreck of the steamer IJawea was resumed this afternoon. My Gully addressed the Court on behalf of tho Customs, Mr Samuel on behalf of the New Plymouth Harbour Board, and Mr Edwards on Captain Hausby's behalf. The Court, after an hour and a half's deliberation, returned the following verdict: — "That I ho master of the Hawea had been informed by the Harbourmaster that it was safe for him to bring his boat in at 0.30 a.m. ; That the usual leading lights were exhibited and the ship brought in the fair way line, and in a good position ; That the starboard anchor was let go and the ship almost immediately Htruck lightly on the port bilge abaft the engine rooni ; That she struck again several times heavily, and soon afterwards began to ii.ll, and bocameatotal wreck; That she struck bottom about 150 feet to the eastward of the fair way line, but whether on rock, or hard sand, or any othor substance there is no evidence to show, but from a considcra* tion of the evidence, we are satisfies! that she did not strike on her anchor ; That Ihe master is not to blame, as ho took all proper precautions for the safety of his vessel in. bringing her into the harbour. Captain Hansby was handed back his certificate. No order was made as to costs.