WRECK OF STEAMER.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15999, 30 May 1924, Page 2

WRECK OF STEAMER.

COURT OF INQUIRY. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, Thursday. The Nautical Court's inquiry into the loss, of the Ngahere at Greymouth on May 12 was continued to-day. Captain Green said the ship was drawing 14ft 9in forward and 15ft Bin aft. According to the Harbour Board plan there should have beep 17 feet of water on the bar at low water. There was a flood tide, and he expected 24 feet when he went out. He had previously gone out drawing the same amount of water. Cross-examined, he said he asked the harbourmaster if it was good enough for the Ngahere to go, and received the reply, "Yes, get away as soon as you can in case the sea comes up. There's plenty of water." Witness heard no whistle to- signify that the Regulus hit the bar when she went out. He was quite satisfied that he carried out the orders from the harbourmaster.

James Miller, chief officer, said he had been trading to Greymouth for 12 years-, and saw nothing on this occasion to lead him lo expect trouble.

William Arthur Wildman, who was in charge, of. the Regulus on the day of the wreck, said his vessel was drawing 12ft 4in. He struck the bottom fairly heavily at the lighthouse, and sounded a whistle, one shdrt blast, immediately. The inner bar was' the one he struck.

Captain Cox said that four days before the Ngahere went out the doors in the bottom of the dredge opened during a heavy swell and a hundred tons of shingle fell out. This would make a difference'of six inches on the bottom. The grounding blast was sounded on the whistle of the Regulus. Witness decided it, was given as acknowlegement of the signal. Had he thought it was given as a warning that the Regulus had touched.the bar he'would have warned the captain of the Ngahere, He realised the seriousness of the warning signal in this case.

Captain William Strachan, signalman at Greymouth, said he only just heard the blast from the Ilegulus, and as he was in doubt about it he hoisted the .signal for the harbourmaster’s office. The rule was that the whistle was given only for touching the bar. in 15 years'* experience witness 'had never had the signal answered by a blast signal. The blast was usually about five seconds. Captain Wildman only gave the string a tvvitch. Captain Wildman, of the Rcgulus, said his blast was distinct, and intended to be heard at the signal station. Evidence was given that the Ngaiiere was' insured for £IO,OOO. Counsel for Captain Green con I ended that lie went out'on the assumption that there would he JBfl. din. of water on the har. The Harbourmaster and Captain Green were justified in this belief. After the accident there was an increased current in the river, and a targe amount of shoal would be Washed away. It was urged that Captain Green had taken all precautions. The Court will deliver its finding to-day.