THE STORMBIRD INQUIRY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2877, 15 September 1916, Page 6

THE STORMBIRD INQUIRY

FIRST OFFICER'S EVIDENCE. 13y Telegraph—Press Association. Wanganui, September 14. On the'resumption of the Stormbird inquiry to-day, Richard Hart, first officer of the wrecked steamer, said it was his watch after the bar was crossed. Ho was on deck during tho.trip down this river, and saw no green lights giving warning not to cross the bar. As the steamer approached Castlecliff, Wharf the master started to keep the ship away close to the north wall. She could not go much closer to the wall. Witness went below. Whfin coming up he hoard tho engine-room telegraph ring. Tho engines stopped,' and theiT went astern. Tho vessel was then heading towards thejsoufh molo. She gradually drifted broadside on towards the south mole, and shortly afterwards struck forward, afterwards taking the ground aft. Tho captain then ordered all bands on deck. A fresh westerly breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. Ho believed there was a big southerly set. He saw no green guiding lights. Ho knew there was a,set in tho harbour due to the condition of tho weather. He could only account for. the accident by the set of wind and sea. The steering gear was all in good order. The master took all reasonable steps' to save tho ship and crew. The vessel had often gone out with as much sea, and wind.

i Bartholomew O'Shea, cook, denied tliat on the day following the wreck lie had said ho told the chief officer that when the vessel struck he saw a green Sight denoting danger being exhibited from the pilot station. Captain Connor, assistant pilot, said he was on duty at the time of ■ the " wrecks There was little wind and sea on the bar as the steamer was going Cut. He ascertained by a bearing takijn @lat the vessel was leeward of the guid- > ing beacons, and consequently signalled her to steer on to the north mole.