LOSS OF THE CONSTANCE CRAIG

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2228, 4 November 1907, Page 1

LOSS OF THE CONSTANCE CRAIG

MARINE ENQUIRY.

, At the Courthouse on Saturday morning an enquiry was opened by Mr. W. A. Barton, S.M., and Captains Ware and Must, assessors, into the supposed loss of the barque Constance Craig. Mr. Hawley, Collector of Customs, appeared for the Department, and Mr. T. A. Coleman for tho Ship Constance Craig Company, Ltd. William James Hawley, Collector of Customs, stated that the Constance Craig arrived hero on July Ist from Newcastle, N.S.W., and sailed for Iliykianga in sand ballast on July 10, 1907. Tho existing regulation required the master to hand a certificate to tho Collector of Customs, signifying that tho vessel had been properly ballasted, and this had been done. Witness also hoarded the vessel and satisfied himself that tho regulation had been complied with. To Mr. Colomnn: As far as ho was aware tlio vessel had not been sighted since leaving tills port, and no alcoholic liquor was taken aboard. Wm Cummiiig, harbormaster, stated in reply to Mr. Hawley, that he remembered tho Constance Craig leaving on her:last trip from here on July loth. Had seen tho vessel boforo her dejiartuvo, and in his opinion she was properly ballasted and fit to go to sea. Thomas Clirisp, master mariner, examined by Mr. Coleman, said that his knowledge of tho New Zealand coast was intimate. Saw. tho barque tlio morning she sailed. She was well found in stores, gear, sails, and ballast, and had been supplied with a new suit of sails. Judging from the winds and weather after her departure, she must have been midway between East Cape and North Cape about 19tli July, on which date there was an easterly gale of exceptional severity.' In his opinion it was then sho came to grief. Witness further stated that about July 30th ono of the ship’s boats had been washed ashore near Whangarei, and within the last week further news had been received that another of the ship’s boats had come ashore close to the same placo. A steamer was sent from Auckland about tho end of July . to search the Barrier and Mercury Islands, and accompanying her was a man named Bridgin who had been second officer of tho missing ship. The result of the search was that a portion of tho name board and a hatch were discovered on the Great Barrier, and these had beon identified by Bridgin as belonging to the Constance Craig. Witness, in addition, stated that he always found the Collector of Customs to be a most painstaking and efficient officer. Edward James Chris]), managing owner of tlio Constance Craig, corroborated the evidence of the previous witnesses as to ballasting, equipment, and the finding of tlio wreckage. He dilso stated that tho vessel was purchased by the company about twelve ■ months ago for £5500, and was insured for £2500. She had been pay- ; ing well, and in reply to Mr. Coleman witness further stated that the wreckage found could not have been washed loose in a heavy sea. The barquo had one more band on board for the last trip than was required by the Act Tin's concluded the evidence,, Mr. Barton intimating that ho wan'd make his report and forward it to the Marine Department.