THE TAINUI DISASTER

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 17, 15 October 1919, Page 8

THE TAINUI DISASTER

FURTHER EVIDENCE AT THE I NAUTICAL INQUIRY. .

By Telegraph—Press Aiiocl&tlou. Christchurch, October 14. The nautical inquiry regarding tlio loss Of the -'J'ninui was continued to-day. The solo /survivor, lTaiTaud,' recalled, gave evidence that he dill not notice fumes of benzino on the trip, or whim awakened by the explosion/ When t)mlifeboat was put over the bide ho remembered if/Lean puttinjj in the plug.' . George Thomas Slndo, chief engineer . at finiithfield, Timarii, for the Kefrigernl»ng Company, gave cvidenco that ho .visited the Taimii in September, and saw repairs being effected. Tho captain QDd witness were both satisfied that good repair work had been done. Alexander Kuss, a watcrsidor, slated ' that leaky cases were put on cne sido and sent on doek. 110 did not consider tho Tainui's holds proper for Blowing benzine. George Tapp, recalled, wild that after : the-repairs wero effected in Timarii ho inspected. the hold to see if there were nny'more holes, and was satisfied that there wore none whichjind not been repaired. Captain Cowan also made an examination and expressed appreciation of the work done. There were no defects in the insulation walls or tho bulkhead which could possibly he a source of danger when ho finished the repairs at Timaru on September 13. . The inquiry was adjourned until loBorrow.