THE BOS'N'S DEATH ON INDRABARAH.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1785, 25 June 1913, Page 8

THE BOS'N'S DEATH ON INDRABARAH.

INQUEST CRITICISED. BY MEMBERS OF SHIP'S CREW, With tho exception of tho fact that tho Union Company's salvage tug Terawhiti left Wellington for Rangitikei Bight with more salvage gear yesterday morning, there is nothing new to report in connection with tho stranded steamer Indrabarah., Nothing official was received by Messrs. Dalgety and Co., local agents far Lloyds, and Messrs. Bannatyno and Co., local agents for the Tysor Line, yesterday. INQUEST ON BOS'N. A LETTER FROM MEMBERS OF THE CREW. Sir,—We, the undersigned members of the crew of tho s.s. Indrabarah, would like to make use of a little of your valuable space for a few remarks about our late bos'n. It was stated at the inquest that he had 110 business <lown below. As a_ matter of fact a bos'n's duties take hira all over the ship, wherever his men fire working, seeing that they perform their duties properly. _On the day in question there were the lamp-trimmer, four A.B.'s, and two O.S. down below in the tonnage hatch, preparing it for tho stevedores that were expected. It is supposed that he went down to see if everything was all right, when tho accident happened. The last that was seen of him by anybody was at 11.30 a.m., and not noon, as stated by tho chief officer.

It was also stated that the bis'n warned tho men about being careful, as ho had taken some hatches oft'. That was not correct,. as the last time he was down below was when all hands bailed out the hold, as it had water in, and tho hatches wero all put on them. As everybody was working aft for some time under the chief officer, wasn't it his placo to find out where the bos'n was? As regards the inquest, why were the two ordinary seamen taken ashore as witnesses, instead of Hue A.B.'s? Were certain people afraid of too much being said- as to happenings aboard? Was it mado public tliat the deceased was buried exactly as he was found, without even the decency of a wash? Even his.boots were placed in his coffin. Hoping you will do lis tho favour of publishing this letter, —We are, etc.. 0. R. Evans, H. Hardy, E. G: Land, T. Morris. H. Montgomery. E. F. Bourne. L. Knell, R. Jlit- ■ clioll, T. Lynch. F. J. Roberts, F. H. Earl, B. D. P. Stone, A. W. Pharoah, A. Tillier, F. Sullivan. S.S. Indrabarah, June 23, 1913. Opinions on the Matter. On the above being shown to the representative of the local agents for the Tyser Line, it was stated that everything possible was done for the' lata bos'n of the . Indrabarah. Captain Rainey, Marine Superintendent of the Line, was present at the funeral, and as the company mado themselves responsible for the burial Captain Rainey made tho arrangements. Captain Forth, of tho Terser liner Muritai, when approached, said that the late bos'n was a good sailor who knew his work well. He was a steady, reliable man, and was well liked by the company. Captain Firth, also said that the Tyser Line was most considerate for their employees, and in the matter of sickness, ctc., always did their best for their employees. Captain Firth also paid a high tribute to Captain Harney's character, making reference to the latter's position in connection with tho death of the lato boatswain.