WRECK OF THE KARU.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16788, 4 May 1926, Page 5

WRECK OF THE KARU.

FINDING OF THE COURT. WELL FOUN3 AND SEAWORTHY. MASTER'S CERTIFICATE RETURNED AUCKLAND, Monday. The marine inquiry concerning Ihe wreck of Hie sh-ainer Kuril near Cape Maria Van Dienien on February 2S. was resumed al the Magistrates Cenrl Ibis arternoon. Mr K. C. <hillen S.M., was on the Munch, and had with him as assessors Captains H. Owens and T. Braidwooff. William Carson, marine surveyor, .".ii officer of Ihe .Marine Department at Auckland, said he made an examination of Ihe K'aru on April 9. Al that lime Ihe wreck was more than half submerged. lie tested Hie plulcs and found them in good order. The surface of the plating looked In he smooth, and all Hie landings of Hie strokes seeu.c'.l quite good. About :i."ifl from Ihe stroke on the starboard side tnere was a dent between Hie frames Gin below Ihe surface, probably caused by Hie rocks. He examined the dent, which showed no signs of cracking, lie could not say whether the plates were the original plates, but ho would think so. Witness could not get access to Hie after part of the Karu. as il was wholly submerged all. The plating was in absolutely sound condition. Mr Hays: The Karu had a Now South Wales survey generally based on the Board of Trade regulations?— Yes. This completed the evidence for the Marine Dcpartcmnt. AUCKLAND, Tuesday.

The uourt of Inquiry into Ihe wreck of the steamer near Cape Maria on February 28, found that Ihe casualty was caused by the vessel striking some object on the bar as she. came from Whangapc harbour; that the vessel was seaworthy and well found: and that Frank Saunders and Hoy Ihwcnswood lost Ibeir lives by drowning when endeavouring to get ashore from the wreck at Twilight Hay.

The master's certificate will be returned and no order will be made as to costs.