WIMMERA DISASTER.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 44, Issue 13605, 1 August 1918, Page 6

WIMMERA DISASTER.

ENQUIE-Y AT AUCKLAND,

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, Wednesday,

At tho Wimmera enquiry, Daniel Eyan, th o Huddart-Parkor Company's local manager, said there was no need for a quicker passage than usual. He had no information that the captain was given a lixed course. Captain Kolls liad been in the service of tho company for from iifteen to eighteen years, and was regarded as a trustworthy, reliable master. Ho denied that the vessel's doparture w T as hurried because of delays. Charles Wilson, second odicer, gave the course steered. At 4 a.m. witness was relieved by the chief oilicor, and retired to his quarters. He was awakened by an explosion, followed thirteen j seconds later by another. He went on deck and heard the captain instruct tho wireless operator to send a message. The vessel's draught, svas lUft 9in forward and 19ft 2in aft. AH tho boats not destroyed by tho explosion wore launched. One was smashed when lowering. The Wimmera's ordinary speed in line weather was 12 to 13 knots. On this night, at the North Capo, she was making 12 J- knots. He believed the explosion was a muffled explosion. The Wimmera was carrying the regulation lights. There wore only two watertight compartments. The doors would have been shut prior to tho explosion. No soundings wore taken from tho time he came on the water. That was only customary in thick weather. Mr Wilson, continuing, said that on a previous trip, the first he had made on tho Wimmera, a similar course was steered. Mino-swcepers were seen between the ship and tho coast. He was not awar that any communication had been received from them that tho course was not a proper one. An argument arose as to tho admission of a question as to whether other masters followed the same course, Mr Mays objecting. Mr Blomfield stated that if other mas. tors, after receiving certain instructions, adopted a particular course, there waa something to go before the Court as to the reason, especially as the Admiralty was aware of the fact and as tho Admiralty had to prescribe the course. It was for tho Admiralty to object to such a course and prevent it.

}fr McYengh supportet Mr Bloraneld, and eventually the question was admitted, tho witness saying that ho had heard that other ships had gone over the same course