MANUKA ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1930, Page 5

MANUKA ENQUIRY

CAPTAIN’S ENDEAVOUR

TO PREVENT LOSS OF CHART

(By Telegraph—Fress Association). DUNEDIN, January 9.

At the Manuka Inquiry, on resuming after the luncheon adjournment, Mr Adams (Crown Prosecutor) stated that on the previous evening be had interviewed two lady passengers, who had left the vessel by tlie first lifeboat, which was damaged in lowering. They told him that they remembered seeing Captain Ross Clark pointing over the side of the ship and shouting out about his books.and papers. He had pointed to the place where they were, and enforced on someone below, his duty to take care of them. These ladies were (Miss Downly and Miss Lyall.

Mr Hanlon said that lie was pleased to receive this statement, as it showed that every effort was made to save tne papers. The Magistrate agreed that there was no necessity to call, the witnesses, in view of the statement made by the Crown Prosecutor.

THE SET ESTABLISHED

Geo. Dickson said that he had been fishing at Tautuka about two years There was usually a set to the northwards or north-east. On Sunday, the day before the wreck, he had experienced a strong westerly set off Tautuka. It was so strong that he and his mate had to come away. They had then steamed off Long Point about three miles from the shore, and had experienced the same set there. They had dropped anchor, hut the westerly current was too strong to let the anchor hold; He had never experienced such a set before when fishing in this locality.

To Capt. Stringer: They could not get the anchor down. The sea was moderate, and there had not been any strong winds. At that time there was a slight roll from the south-east.

Mr Hanlon then addressed the Court. He was interrupted during his remarks bv Air. Adams, who said that lie could not challenge the evidence regarding the westward set, as that set seemed to he established quite clearly. Air Hanlon, Mr Adams and Mr Haggitt (the last named appearing for the Union Coy.,) stressed the high conduct of the officers and crew in getting the passengers into the boats after the vessel struck, all agreeing it was worthy of the highest traditions of British seamanhip. The Court intimated that it would give it decision on Saturday.