THE MAITAI INQUIRY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3008, 20 February 1917, Page 4

THE MAITAI INQUIRY

EVIDENCE OF THE CHIEF OFFICER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Fobruary 19. Tho inquiry into the loss of the R.M.S. Maitai at llarotonga was continued to-day. Practically all-tho sitting was occupied with'the cross-exam-ination of Captain M'Lean, the master, who said that lie did not remember the chief officer reporting that the cable was not holding. That" fact would not havo caused any anxiety* for tlio' margiu of safety was good. It was twelve minutes after the chief officor had reported -sixty fathoms out bcforo lie know that the ship was drifting. Ho had been eighteen years with the Union Company and nino as master. In answer to Mr. Mays, no said that be had instructions from tlio agent at Rarotonga to pick up the anchors, aiid was free to uso his own judgment in thn matter. AVilliam Paull. chief officer, said m evidence that as the- last fifteen chains of tlio cable ran out he checked it. At this stage he thought that the anchor was dragging, but did not recollect informing tlio captain. He would haye to make certain before doing so. As sixty fathoms of shackle camo over the windless it carried away the guideblock, and the chain parted. , He considered that tlio swell was responsible for the break. It was quite safe and prudent to anchor there at night, and ho considered that Captain M'Lean was as capable and careful a master as he had sailed with in the Union Company. The inquiry then adjourncfl.