THE TONGARIRO.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3557, 18 September 1916, Page 2

THE TONGARIRO.

NAUTICAL ENQUIRY OPENED

WELLINGTON, September 15. The enquiry into tho wreck of tho Tongariro opened to-day, before Mr W. G. Riddel I, S.M., and Captain Johnson (Wellington) s.nd Captain Reid (Auckland) as assessors. • Captain Harry Makepeace, master of tho vessel, deposed that the ship left Auckland on August 29. After passing Ariel Rocks on August 30, ho altered tho vessel's course to South 34 West true. Replying to the Magistrate, witness said that no bearings were taken at Tablo Capo. The officers had standing instructions to take bearings at every available point, but none was taken on this occasion. Witness relieved the chief officer at 6.45, and altered the course one point with a view to keeping well clear of Bull Rock. He then took his bearings and found he was 1-J miles inside the original course, a line which would have put the chip four miles from the rock. The ship struck a few minutes afterwards, and he took the necessary measures to save life. Captain Makepeace, further examined, said there must have been a strong, westerly set-'towards the shore to make the Tongafiro get where she was. also another set which increased the vessel's speed. When he was on Bull Rock ho found that he had overrun his distance about three and a^ialf miles.' He attributed this to the set. Porcy John Ballard, chief officer, said he went on duty at 4 p.m. on-August 30. At 5.45 p.m. the vessel was off Table Cape. No bearings were taken there, and he did not think the ship was inside her course. He did not look at the chart, and hot till she struck did he think she was inside her course. You did not verify the position of tho vessel by inspecting the chart or" taking bearings?— No. I was relieved by the master at 6.40. I saw Portland Light at a quarter to six. I took no bearings. I considered the vessel was on a safe course and not inside. You now the standing orders which the captain has issued, and which you have signed?— Yes. You know they require you to check the bearings of landmarks? —Yes. Arthur James Angell, fourth officer of the Tongariro, holding a second mate's certificate, stated that he returned to the bridge after tea. At 6.40 he saw Portland Light. Ho saw a red light just as the vessel struck Bull Rock. Ho was on the bridge when the .captain relieved the chief officer. He was standing by the compass. The first remark he heard tho captain make was "Starboard a point." ' He also said, "Get a bearing of Portland Light;" and witness took it. The chief officer went down to tea. The captain went to the chart room, and on returning'gave witness instructions as to steering. Witness repeated the order to the quartermaster. Shortly afterwards witness saw the 'red Sector, -and' the vessel struck as the captain was coming up the : ladder. There was no break on the water, but a heavy isort of swell. At Table Capo witness was not on the bridge. _ .. „! : The enquiry was adjourned till Wednesday.