THE TAINUI INQUIRY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXIV, Issue 17694, 21 October 1919, Page 8

THE TAINUI INQUIRY.

AN ENGINEER'S EVIDENCE

fPer Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, October 20

During evidence at the Tainui inquiry; James Powell, who was engineer on the Tainui to November last, said that the insulation was poor. He had seen damaged parts patched with wood from kerosene cases. The Tainui was not suitable for carrying benzine. She carried a bilge running fore and aft, which was absolutely dangerous with benzine cargoes. Witness wrote direct to the company calling its attention to the state of the after-hold, which was dangerous from a fire point of view. "Witness found that his complaints were not attended to. He knew that one branch shipping manager did not forward to head office a letter of complaints written by witness, and the engineer, the main reasons given bein,g that the manager did not consider it necessary. The refrigerating machinery of the Tainui was first-class. He thought that pumice was used in the Tainui's insulation, which was not the same as that on exhibition in the court. The bulkhead door leading into the engine room was only partfally adjusted. He put bolts iv, and for a period he packed the sides of the door with oakum. He did not report as to the danger subsequently, because he considered the complaints would not be heeded.

The letter not forwarded to head office referred to the wages paid to the firemen and engineers. Witness was the only person in the Tainui's engine room. When he rested on a trip, the fireman was in charge.