FIRES ON MIGRANT SHIP

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28266, 2 May 1957, Page 9

FIRES ON MIGRANT SHIP

Officers’ Suspicions

(New Zealand Press? Association) WELLINGTON, May 1. Though suspicion rests upon disaffected members of the Captain Cook’s crew as being responsible for the outbreaks of fire in the ship, it is thought by her officers that certain passengers mav also have been implicated. Fires were actually started in 12 cabins on three different decks and it has since been discovered that unsuccessful attempts were made to set alight to the bedding in several other cabins.

Essential repairs to several of the fire-damaged cabins will be made before the ship leaves Wellington on Monday afternoon on her homeward passage. The work involves the renewal of the electric wiring and the repainting of scorched walls. The repairing of the more seriously damaged portions of the ship will be held over until the ship returns to Glasgow.. ■Wellington police tonight agreed with the officers’ opinions that some passengers as well as crew members may have been responsible for Monday night’s fires. Five detectives led by Detec-tive-Sergeant W. T. Cook, spent most of today aboard the ship continuing investigations. Other men are believed to be making inquiries in parts of the city. Two policemen remained on duty in the ship with two firemen throughout the day and night, and these patrols will be continued until the Captain Cook leaves on Monday. No arrests havg yet been made.