NIWARU ENQUIRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 954, 29 July 1903, Page 2

NIWARU ENQUIRY.

THE PILOT’S STATEMENT. (Per Press Association.) Napier, last night. The Niwaru enquiry was continued today. The evidence of the first, second and third officers, the steersman and leadsman aii i-oirohorated the captain’s statement that thy night was hazy and that no shore lights could be seen until the vessel struck; that a blue light had been burned at 8 o’clock as a signal for the pilot, and another biue light some time after. No answering light was seen until after the vessel struck. The red light of the breakwater was seen about the same time, and was than apparently over had a mile away. The oßptain and the other officers were on the bridge. All the

time every precaution was taken, and the vessel’s course had been set to take her between the Pania reef and the breakwater, which was the usual course. The pilot, Captain Lake, stated that he was rung up from'the signal station at ten minutes to eight and informed that the big steamer was coming in. He went out iri the pilot-boat at 8.15. He first saw the steamer at about 8.45, and then burned a blue light as a signal. The night was hazy, or probably be would have been informed sooner of the steamer’s approach. If the captain and officers of the Niwaru said they did not see any shore lights until the steamer struck he would believe them. He judged the steamer to be not more than a mile away when he sighted her, at which time the pilot boat was about half a mile inside the breakwater. The haze made it difficult to judgo the distance of the lights. Provided the captain was sure of his position it was safe to turn in between the Pania and Auckland reefs. The lighthouse would be in a much better position for ships coming in if it was on the Bluff Hill.

Forne, assistant pilot, corroborated Cap;ain Lake’s statement.

This concluded the evidence. Counsels' addresses will be heard to morrow.

THE DAMAGED CARGO. DISCHARGING OPERATIONS CONTINUE. STEAMER LEAVES FOR AUCKLAND END OF WEEK. Per Press Association* Napier, last night. The work of stopping the Niwaru’s leak was carried on with such success to-day that the water in No. 4 hold was got down so far as to permit of those on board standing on the propeilor shaft tunnel. As much water was got out of the vessel as was possible, and the work of discharging the damaged cargo in this hold will be proceeded with. Another paunch mat to cover the whole of the damaged portion of the vessel is being made. The diver will go down again to-morrow to examine the rudder and stern posts, to which it is supposed some tittle damage has beon done. It is anticipated the steamer will be able to leave for Auckland about the end of this week.