THE KIA ORA WRECK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2125, 6 July 1907, Page 2

THE KIA ORA WRECK.

THIS NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

Press Association. AUCKLAND, yesterday. The inquiry into the wreck of the Kin Ora on Juno"l3th whb continued yesterday afternoon, before Mr. Kettle, S.M., assisted by Captains John Grano and Schofield. The nature of the evidence givon on Wednesday resulted in the attendance of a largo number of people in the Court, j Beforo the lioaring of the evidence was resumod Mr. [name missing], a contractor of Raglan' a passenger by the Kui Ora, said that when at 9.40 Do Wolle camo to collect his ticket, I be Wolfe was under the influence of I liquor, and witness remarked tins to I other passengers. Witness wont to I sleep directly after, ami did not wake { till the ship struck. The weather was I then clear. Ho swam from the ship Ito the boat, lie knew Do Wolle well, I and was not mistaken as to Ins condi--1 tion in the boat. Do Wolfe more

I than once said, “I don’t know where I I am.” When they got ashore BarraI dough, Lush, Pratt, and witness set I out to get assistance. Baggstrom and I Do Wolfe had left half-an-hour ahead. I When about three miles on their I journey they mot tho chief officer and I Baggstrom. Two of us, said witness, I had no boots at all, and one had only I one, and we were covered with mud. I Baggstrom said, “We have some very I sad news to toll you. The Kia Ora is wrecked.” They did not recognise them on the beach. Everybody was I left to shift for themselves. I here I was no discipline. , . . . I Frank Fletcher Barraclougli, butcher, residing at Hawera, said lie was a passenger from Waitara to Kawhia. I .Tost, beforo crossing the bar De Y\orre

OUSD DCioro ui uaaiu& called him from the deck to the Bulooia and asked for his ticket. De Wolfe was tlien drunk. —Mr. Mays: At what sWgeof drunkenness? —Witness: A muddled state.—Could you detect liquor on him?—l could smell it. Was he or was he not fit- to take charge oi the ship?—He was not. «t Other passengers gave corroborative evidence. The crew s side of the case was given by Hugh Lister, second entdneer, who said the chief officer had no liquor on board as far as lie was aware. It was false that after landin" the crew took possession ol the | shelter, and loft some of the women out in the rain. David Forbes, A. 8., re-called, said when the vessel struck it was impossible to see anything toi tog. There was no liquor among the crow. There was no truth m the statement that the men took sheltei and left the women outside. Ihe inquiry was adjourned till next day. Further remarkable evidence is exl>eßeferring to statements by the Crown Solicitor that the Rarawa did nothing for the crew* the solicitor tor the Northern Coy. said lie would produce invoices showing the Company spent £2O in provisions for the people at Nukuhaka Bay. . Hugh Lister, second engineer, said

at 2 o’clock on the morning of the wreck th© chief engineer was perfectly sober. . „ , Baggstrom, chief engineer, recalled, denied that lie went to the saloon to get whisky. Baggstrom denounced the statement as to himself and De Wolfe having been in the saloon with three bottles of whisky as a lie so absurd, unholy, and fiendish that he could not express his feelings unless they could have a ring, which would be more to his liking. Although a Swede he .learned that art in England. Baggstrom admitted having had two drinks with Captain Blaeklock at Waitara, but none after. In answer to the Magistrate, Mr. Mays said there was no imputation against the captain or second officer. Baggstrom said Do Wolfe was in full possession of his senses and executed all orders and took the boat clear of the ship. Baggstrom, continuing his evidence, was asked by Mr. Mays: Do members of ships’ crews, and officers as well as passengers, use the Norther Company’s boats as a base for hy grog trading?—l don’t know anything about it.

I Do you know whether liquor is I soM from steamers and taken ashore? I—l have never seen it done, and I don’t know of it. , I Have you ever been reprimanded I during your service for insobriety ? I No. I How have you found De Wolfe I since vou first met him P—Not a teeI totaller. I Has De Wolfe ever caused vou I anxiety when in charge of the boat ? I —No. '

Have you ever seen him under the influence of liquor?—No, not as far las that. Ho has not had too much when on board that ship, in my mind. Can you give us any reason why Cavanagli swore that you and De Wolfe had three bottles filled with whisky ?—I cannot explain—it is so beyond my conception. Mr. Mays: Never miild that. Is it true or untrue? —Untrue. Can you explain why you took the lead and your superior officer o.beyed you ?—Strength of character, I suppose. Mr. Kettle: You have a stronger will and a stronger personality, that’s obvious. • Mr. Mays: Have vou heard complaints about steersmen in the Northern Company'?—No. Mr. Mays stated that the doctor, who went up by the liarawa, had telegraphed that he wished to gtve evidence, and asked if Tuesday morning would suit. It was agreed to bake him on that day. The second officer, James Robert-, son, called for examination by' Mr. Clayton, stated that at 9 o’clock, half-an-liour before sailing, he went into De Wolfe’s room and found him lying asleep in his bunk. He got up, and witness saw nothing out of place in De Wolfe’s condition. Mr. Kettle : ,Do you swear that, as far as you know, lie was sober ? Yes. I can swear it. Was the comfort of the women and children sacrificed in any way for that of the men?—No; I could see nothing to object to. Mr. Kettle: Have you ever seen De Wolfe under the influence of liquor?—No. Josephine Kellor, stewardess, was called, and corroborated the story of the officers and crew. Questioned regarding Cavanagh’s story, she said his wife was well looked after at the shelter On the shore, and was sitting near the fire at witness’ feet. Asked whether there was anything in the condition of the crew or passengers which she would pronounce selfish, she said, “Yes, one. That was Mr. Cavanagli. He neves -lifted a hand to help, or carried a stick of wood for the fire.” She heard Cavanagli make no complaint. The inquiry was adjourned till Monday.