THE KIA ORA WRECK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2128, 10 July 1907, Page 3

THE KIA ORA WRECK.

THE NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

Press Association. AUCKLAND, yesterday. At tho Kia Ora inquiry to-day Captnin Scott, acting agent of the Northern Steamship Company at Wnitara, stated that ho frequently saw De Wolfe while the steamer was at Waitara previous to tho wreck. De Wolfe was apparently very bad with influenza, but showed no sign of intoxication. Ho contradicted tho statement that De Wolfe while at Waitara was drinking with Captain Blacklock. . . At tho Ivia Ora inquiry Dr. A\ ylie stated in evidence that lie did a that was possible for him to do to the injured passengers ho snw and that had there been a n > >'eed to lon cor he would have done so. At the conclusion of the doctor's evidence three witnesses who had some complaints were questioned by the Magistrate. Partridge said he was satisfied the doctor had done all that was possible for him. Mclntosh, asked if he had any question to ask the doctor, replied No. Cavanagh still questioned the accuracy of the doctor’s statement. Chas. Ranson, manager of tho isorthern S.S. Co., gave Do Wolfe a good character, though lie admitted having dismissed him for taking too much liquor in January, 1905. Cavanagh was cross-examined at length, and adhered to his former statement in the main, though making some slight corrections. He declared that nearly all tho witnesses in defence of the officers and crew ns woll as tho doctor were teiiiig h-“. The inquiry, was adjourned till tomorrow. . . - ... David S. Wvllio, medical practitioner, New Plymouth, said that at tho request of tho Northern Co. he went to the scene of the wreck. He had a rough experience getting ashorc, while his bag of drugs, ban,dnges, etc.,’was half full of sea water. He went' up to the house and saw Partridge. He examined the leg and found that for a fractured leg first aid had been well and intelligently ■ applied. Mr. Kettle: We may sny, I_ suppose, that, you did your best?—Yes, with the time and material at my disposal. Cavanagh came to me and told me his wife’s condition and asked if she would come to any harm. I said it | would be impossible for me to toll without* seeing her. He went away and while he was away I examined the arms of two seamen. He then came back and asked me to go with him to see his wife. This I did. going with him to see his wife, who was standing up in tho corner of the din-ing-room. Cavanagh stood by my side during my conversation with her. I told them I did not think anything untoward likely 'to havmen, but advised her to rest. I did not see her again. Mr. Clayton: There is no doubt that the Cavanagh you refer to is the one who stood in the witness box just now?—NV> doubt; and I can swear that lie stood by his wife while I questioned her regarding Mrs. Mclntosh. I was told there was a woman in tho inner room in a faint. I found Mrs. Mclntosh standing on the floor ■ dressing. 'I said, “When you are dressed let me know, and I will examine you,” but' I heard nothing further. Just before I left the hut I went back into the room to see her and found the room empty and was told she did not wish to see a doctor. Mr. Kettle (to Partridge): Have you any questions to ask the doctor? —Well, I thought he might have examined my leg and shoulder. After hearing his evidence and explanation are you satisfied?—Yes, your Honor. Well, that is very satisfactory. The doctor came from New Plymouth and has given a satisfactory explanation. You think he did all that was necessary?—Yes. To Mclntosh: Have you any questions?—No.

Mr. Kettle next asked Cavanagh: Do you wish to ask any questions ? Cavanagh replied in the negative, but on resuming his seat said something in an undertone.

Mr. Kettle (sharply): What did you sav?

Mr. Cavanagh (after some hesitation) : I said it was a fabrication of lies.

Mr. Kettlo: Well, you will have an opportunity of saying that again on oath.

Mr. Mays then cross examined Dr. Wyllie, asking whether he was anxious to get back to New Plymouth. Dr. Wyllie replied: I have two partners.

Then why did you not stay?—Because there was nobody ill enough to warrant me staying. There was no particular need to go away, and on the other hand there was no pressing necessity for me to stay. ' How could you tell how long these people would be there?—One hazarded that they would not be there more than two or, three days and no one was seriously hurt or dangerously ill. You took the risk of going back?— Yes, if Mrs. Cavanagh or anyone else were seriously ill or if any case was likely to become critical I would have stayed. Mr. Kettle: It had since beer, shown that your opinion was correct—you could do nothing more than you did ?—No.

Cavanagh was then caljed into the witness box and Air. Kettle asked Dr Wyllie: Do you swear that you had an interview with this man’: wife in his presence?—l do absolutely There can bo no mistake about, it.

Mr. Kettle (to Cavanagh): What have you got to say?—l say that the doctor never interviewed -my wife in my presence and I never brought my wifo in to him.

He did not disclose your wffe’r ailment in your presence?—Ho did not. The three of us wero not to gether. Tlio doctor and I were to gether, but tho three of us were not Then tho doctor’s evidence is nocorrect ?—No. You said it was a fabrication of lies?—Yes, it was.

Mr. Clayton; In your previous do positions you say that you only saw the doctor once and did noli try tc persuade him to see your wife hp cause you were disgusted with the whole crowd. You now say that you saw him twice. The depositions tc this effect were read by Mr. Kettle witness stating that this was correct Mr. Kettle: l)o you say on you) oath that the doctor’s statement wa? a. fabrication of lies?—Yes, you; Worship.