THE ACCIDENT TO THE STEAMSHIP WAIRARAPA,

Wanganui Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 5295, 28 February 1884, Page 3

THE ACCIDENT TO THE STEAMSHIP WAIRARAPA,

-^ (PER UNITED PRES3 ASSOOIATrON. ) Dunedin, Feb. 27. The inquiry re the Wairarapa was continued to-day. The fourth engineer and other witnesses said they heard nothing of the vessel's racing. Captain Chatfield was re-called, and deposed — " There is no truth in the rumour that we wanted to race the Adelaide. We were going our ordinary speed. I gave no orders to let the Wairarapa do anything extra. We Could Bee the flames from the Adelaide all the way down the bay. In the west channel abont three •hips' length of water is the width we should Jjave had where, we collided.* v I never mpoke to the Adelaide or it to me.' ' Ife Mid not occur to me to ask the Adelaide to keep the other side 'of the channel." The damage austained by the Wairarapa is estimated at £250. The evidence of the passengers will be taken to-morrow. STATEMENT BY A PASSENGER. ' ' Feb 28. Apaßsenger.bythe Wairarapa has given the Otago Daily Times a full account of the collision, from which it appears it waa wellknown before starting that a race would take place. Tne Wairarapa had a lead and held it, making no extroadinary exertions, but simply going full speed. The Adelaide fired up till the lames went 20 or 30 ft above the funnel at times, and made frantic efforts to jam the Wairarapa on the bank and pass her, and this in- a dangerous part of > the channel. The ' Wairarapa had to go ahead or be run into, or aground. She was several time in great danger through the reckless conduct of the Adelaide. The passengers all praise the captains cool conduct and good judgment. It is expected the dau>age to the Wairarapa will be repaired for £250,