ELINGAMITE ENQUIRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 718, 14 January 1903, Page 3

ELINGAMITE ENQUIRY.

(Per Press Association), AUCKLAND, last night. In his speech Mr Cotter, who ap-

peared on behalf of the engineers at the Elingamite enquiry this morning devoted himself to supporting the

evidence given by those in the engineroom that the propeller failing to reverse was due to being iambed, probably by striking some obstruction outside the ship before the order could be carried into effect. In any ease the subordinate engineers could not he held responsible when acting under the personal directions of the chief. The Collector of Customs said the

evidence that, there was no wedge which would prevent the engines reversing was conclusive, as it. wae shown they would not stop ii a wedge existed. All the evidence agreed that the engines were stopped within a few seconds of the order, though they failed to reverse. Later.—Mr Tole, who appeared for the Collector of Customs, gave an address of three hours, in the course of which he said that regulations should he made and observed as to drill ami manipulation of boats, lie hoped that one result of the enquiry would he the framing of a new regulation. Mr Haselden, »S.AI., here remarked that however strongly the Court

might feel on the matter, lie did not think that they would make any such recommendations. This was rattier a matter for a special commission which could found its conclusions upon disinterested evidence. No doubt however, the evidence which had been taken would form the basis of some action.

Mr Tole contends that there had been imprudence,, negligence, and unskilful navigation of the vessel prior

to the wreck ; that there had been a defective log, false reckoning, and too much theory as to the ship’s position

There was also want of preparedness on the part of those in the engfneroum.

The Court hopes to give its decision on Monday.