NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15341, 2 October 1917, Page 7

NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

WRECK OF SCOW EUNICE. CONTINUATION OF EVIDENCE. The taking of evidence at the inquiry as to the wreck of the scow Eunice was continued after we went to press yesterday. The Court consisted of Mr J. G. L. Hewitt, S.M., and Captain George Lambert and Captain J. Black, both of Wellington, acted as nautical assessors. Mr- G. Marshall appeared for the Marino Department, Mr Treadwell for the Harbour Board, Mr C. P. Brown for the owners of the vessel (the New Zealand Refrigerating Company), and Mr Watt for Captain Holm. Victor Bergquast, acting-second mate of the Eunice, said the weather was moderate approaching' the bar. Witness was at the wheel when the accident occurred. One hundred feet from the north mole the vessel suddenly sheered to port, and witness put the helm half a-port and straightened her up. A sea then hit the Eunice on the port quarter and, following her up, shifted her bows tow ards the south mole. It all happened in a second. Witness and the captain put the helm hard to starboard. She did not answer for a. couple of seconds, and then turned round towards the north. Mr Marshall; What caused the accident f Witness: The tide; it was very strong. W ivn-etis added, that h© bad bad experience at, the wheel fringing the Eunice in and out of Wanganui. She was inclined to yaw about. 'lo the Court: The captain was alongside the wheel all the way coming in The steering gear did not jamb. It was examined before leaving Wellington. Odd Magne, A.8., said the Eunice was in a nice position to come in. The sheer to the south mole was sudden. It was caused by a sea hitting her on the quarter, following her.up, and bringing her right round. She was steadied up, but “he struck the mole. Mr Marshall: How do you account for the trouble? Witness: J don’t know. Tne Court adjourned at this stage to 10 o’clock on Wednesday morning.