WIMMERA ENQUIRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1918, Page 3

WIMMERA ENQUIRY.

[per TRESS ASSOCIATION. — COPYRIGHT.] : THE EVIDENCE. WELLINGTON, July 31st. Charles Wilson, second officer, gave j particulars of the course steered at 4 a.m. Witness was rolieved by the chief 1 officer and retired to his quarters. Ho was awakened by an explosion, which was followed thirteen seconds later by another. He went on deck. Ho heard the captain instruct the wireless operator to send S.O.S. messages. The vessel’s draft was 13.9 forward and 19.2 aft. All boats not dbstroyed by the explosion were launched. Ono was smashed when lowering. The Wimmera’s ordinary speed in fino weather was 12 or 13 knots. On this night at the North Capo she was making 12$ knots. He believed the explosion was a muffled explosion. The Wimmera was ; carrying regulation lights. There were only two water tight compartments. The door would have been shut prior to the explosion. No soundings were taken from the time he came on duty. That was only customary in thick weather. Wilson, continuing, said that on a previous trip, the first he had on the Wimmera a similar course was steered. The mine-sweepers had been between tho ship and the coast. He was not aware that any communication had been received from them that tiie course was not a proper one. An argument arose as to the admission of questions as to whether other masters had followed the same course. Mr. Mays objected. Mr. Bloomfield stated that after receiving certain instructions which bad been adopted of a particular course, there was something to go before the Court as to the reason, especially as the Admiralty had to prescribe a course. It was for the Admiralty to object to such a course and prevent it. Mr. McVea'gh supported Mr. Bloomfield’s contention and eventually the question was admitted. Witness continued, saying that he bad heard other ships had gone over the same course. ‘i Dauiel Ryan, ITudda'rt Barker Co’s j local manager, said that there was no ! need for a quicker passage than us-. ual. He- had no information that tho i Captain was given a fixed course. Captain Kells had been in the service of the Company front 5 15 to 18 years, and was regarded as a trustworthy and reliable master. He denied that the vessel’s departure* was hurried because of delay. !

I FURTHER EVIDENCE, j AUCKLAND, This Day. ! At the Wimmera Enquiry, Thomas Robinson, A. 8., said lie was on duty nt , 2 a.m. on June'26th. 110 took the ! wheel at 2.35 a.m., and received a ; course N. 73 W. Ho steered that course until the North Capo was abeam. He heard the Second Mate tell the ; Captain that North Cape was six miles ! off. The Second Officer then gave a ; new course N. 81. Witness was relievjcd from the wheel at 4 a.m. The wind appeared to be getting a little stronger all the time he was steering, and there was a good swell on. When he was awakened by tho crash, lie went to the forecastle to see that all hands were out. All lie knew of the explosion was that the vessel sank by the stern. He noticed some sickly fumes. Joseph Datighy, an Able Seaman, deposed that he took the wheel at 4 a.m from Robertson, A.lb, who gave the course N. 84 W. and compass. The explosion seemed to come from the starboard quarter. He heard the Chief Offii cer call out “mines.” and saw him going apparently to call the Captain. Then ! came a second explosion, perhaps more . severe than the first. It brought down i the wireless apparatus. ! Mr Mays said he proposed to call Captain Hall Thompson. Much of his evidence would be confidential. Mr McVeagh protested against evi- ' douce being taken in camera, even if anybody’s certificate were involved, which it was not. lie would follow . this course. j The Magistrate said if the Court had | to comply with the request of Captain j Hall Thompson and so invalidated these | proceedings it would only affect the ' case if they were dealing with anyI body’s certificate. | Mr McVeagh said tho Court was sit- ! ting as an open Court. There could be no star eh amber proceedings. When ; the matters took a definite shape he . > would formulate hiis objection in a : specific way.