THE TAINUI DISASTER

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 18, 16 October 1919, Page 6

THE TAINUI DISASTER

NAUTICAL INQUIRY/ . By Telegraph-Press Association. . . ■', _ Christcliurch, October 15. r Ihe nautical inquiry in connection with the loss of the Tninui was continued to-day. ' John Daniel Miller, shipwright, detailed the repairs effected to tho Tninui at the_ annual overhaul in March. When 'he finished tho insulation it appeared 'to be airtight and good. When "first put in tho lifeboat was in first-class condiThe vessel was in fair average condition. He did not hear any of the crew complain about benzine fumes in their quarters. ' ' Paul Euge'no Bean, stationniaster at lyttelton, gave evidence that a cargo of benzine removed from tho Tainui on September 12,, was put in trucks and held till the vessel's return from Timaru. Ho 6aw noJeakage in the trucks. He saw oil "being removed in Elings from tracks.. The oil dripped from Borne of the slings. That was unusual with oil for transhipment. He did, not think the tins coming. from Amerjca were fit to contain bonziuo meant for Jong journeys. Tho president of the Court said it was evidont that the tins were meant for short railway journeys, in America. Mr. Alpers, for the Vacuum Oil Company, hoped the Court had not made up its mind on that point,: as-if so he would call expert advice to nrove the contrary. The" president added ' that the Court had seen tho tins, but tho Court's mind was not yet made up. ■ -Herbert Fitzway, a 6hip's officer, gave evidence that, having a. knowledge of fceiizimvhe would not have proceeded to sea , in'the Tainui with" leaky cases such 'as he ihad seen being placed on the vessel: Had lie been mate of the Tainui lie would have rejected eomo of the eases. It was the worst cargo of benzine he had eeen.

Felix Rewfield, Soamcn'g Union deleKate at Lyttelton, adhered to his story that a cinder.from the stokehold had falleit into the bilges and set tho boneine alight.

. In cross-examination, ho said ho could Jiave prevented the Tainui from leaving p'ort, on account of the dangerous condition of. the cargo, liy arranging for a member of the crew hot to tnrn up in timo for tho sailing. That move was .on., the .boards at tho timo, but unfortunately it missed fire-. Other evidence was adduced similar to that given at the inquest. /.The inquiry was adjourned till toJaOITOW. ■;,: - ■ •