SINKING 0F SCOW

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19913, 16 June 1936, Page 8

SINKING 0F SCOW

INQUIRY CONCLUDED‘

"LICENSING OF ‘GOFFIN SHIPS!” EVIDENCE OF CREXV. (By Telegraph—Press Assoclnion.) ' AUCKLAND, Monday. The inquiry into the sinking of the 35-ton auxiliary scow Kaiaia near .\ler-cur-y Bay on March 25 was concluded to-day before Mr \Vyvern \Vilson, 5..\1.. with whom were associated the assessors, Captain D. Bell, Captain W'. E. Norton and Mr E. R. Lane. There were no watertight compartments in the vessel. said Captain Aspden in reply to Mr \Valsh. The cen-tre-hoard. which was seldom used. was up. No steps were taken to lo—cate the leak for the cargo was of a perishable nature and the hatch could not be removed.

Evidence of the mishap was given by Douglas Bowie Stubbing. engineer of the Kaiaia. He said the engine pump would normally cope with 1000 gallons of water an hour and the two hand—pumps. together, about 1500. The scow was fitted with two engines, one of '24 horse-power and the other of 30 horse—power. This machinery was all in good working order. The other three members of the crew, Peter Warren (able-seamen). Albert Mokomoko (ordinary seamen), and John Ernest Donaghue (boy), substantiated the evidence given by the master and engineer. Various shipwright-s and surveyors who worked on, and examined the Kaiaia in December testified to the soundness of her hull and to her full equipment of life-saving appliances. Questioning Leonard Robertson. master mariner and marine surveyor. Mr \Valsh asked whether he considv ered the iiaiaia was suitable for a total engine power or 54 horse-power and for cruising on all coasts of the Dominion. which her classification as a “home—trade vessel“ enabled her to do. The engines were quite suitable. said witness. ‘ The matter of the vessel's classifi? cation was ruled as beyond the scope of the inquiry by Mr \Vilson. ‘ ” The classification or this type 01‘ craft,“ said Mr Walsh. in reviewing: the evidence, “as e “home-trade ves-l 561' is no more than the licensing of ‘eomn ships.‘ If nothing is done to protect the men sailing in these seows there will be some terrible disasters.“l Mr Wilson said that the finding 01‘ the Court would be submitted to that Minister of Marine. the Hon. P. Fraserr 1 _— ‘ ______..... 1