WRECK OF THE EUNICE.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 October 1917, Page 2

WRECK OF THE EUNICE.

CAPTAIN HELD RESPONSIBLE. COURT’S IMPORTANT RIDER. [pan PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.] WANGANUI, Oct. 4 The finding of tho Court of Enquiry into the wreck of the Eunice was that Captain Holm must be held responsible. The following rider was added: 'The Court desires to draw' the attention of the Alinister of Afarine to the fact that the master of tho scow Eunice, and hotli mates, as well four members of the crew, were by birth foreigners, and that tho second mate who was at the helm at the time the vessel struck was unnaturalised. While there is no evidence to show that the present loss can be attributed to any of these causes, the Court desires to express the opinion that in view of t-he vital importance to the community atthe present time of all ships and shipping, no British ships should he allowed to he so officered and manned.

The master was ordered to pay £2O towards tho cost of tho enquiry. His certificate was returned.

Dealing with the alien question, the following motion was adopted by the Auckland blanch of the Alorchant Service Guild: —“Tliis meeting is of opinion that the Government’s method of dealing with Germans and aliens in our midst is not in keeping with tho demand that every precautionary measure possible bo taken. In view of the recent shipping calamities so near at hand it is strongly of opinion that all Germans should be interned forthwith and every alien placed beyond any connection with shipping or cargo for shipment; also that the Govmont should protect wharves in an efficient manner, making absolute identification of every person admitted thareon necessary. Cargo shipped should ho subject to a system of un-cert-jiin time storage and examination by the authorities. All cargo should be examined before being loaded, and no intimation given to the shippers as to what ships their goods would -bo forwarded by or when, and so obviate any chance of time bombs reaching ships’ holds.”