THE KIA ORA WRECK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 6 July 1907, Page 3

THE KIA ORA WRECK.

Inquiry Continued.

Auckland, July 4

The inquiry into the wreck of the steamer Kia Ora, on June 13th, was continued this afternoon. 1 Before the hearing of evidence was resumed Mr Mays, solicitor for the Marine Department, said passenger witnesses complained of annoyance from the ship’s ciew while sitting in the passages of the Court. He asked that they be allowed to use the Justices’ rooth downstairs.

Mr Kettle : If there is any interference of that sort I will soon put a stop to it. Basil D. B. Hudson, flaxmill contractor of Raglan, a passenger by the Kia Ora, said that when at 9.40, De Wolfe, the chief mate, came to collect his ticket De Wolfe was under the influence of liquor, and witness remarked this to other passengers. Witness went to sleep directly after, and did not wake till the ship struck. The weather was then clear. He swam irom the ship to the boat. He knew De Wolfe well, and was not mistaken as to his condition In the boat De Wolfe more than once said “I don’t know where I am.” When they got ashore Barraclough, Lush, Pratt, and witness set out to get assistance. Baggstrom (chief engineer) and De Wolfe had left half an hour ahead. When about three miles on the journey they met De Wolieand Baggstrom. “ Two of us,” said the witness, “ had no boots at all, and one had only one, and we were cove-ed with mud. Baggstrom said, “We have some very sad news to tell you. The Kia Ora is wrecked.” They did not recognise us. On the beach everybody was left to shift for themselves. There was no discipline.” Frank Fletcher Barraclough, butcher, residing at Hawera, a passenger, said that just before crossing Waitara bar outwards. De Wolfe called him from the deck to the saloon and asked for his ticket. De Wolfe was then drunk.

Mr Mays: At what stage of drunkenness ? —A muddled state.

Could you detect liquor on him ? —I could smell it.

Was he or was he not fit to take charge of the ship ? —He was not. Other passengers gave.corroborative evidence. The crew’s side of the case was given by Hugh Lister, second engineer, who said the chief officer had no liquor on board as far as he was aware. It was false to say that after landing the crew took possession of the shelter and lelt some of the women out .in the rain. Mr Mclntosh was asked repeatedly if he wanted to bring his wife under shelter, and he said they were quite comfortable. Mr Earl; I understand Mclntosh made no complaint. Mr Kettle; That’s so; it was Cavanagh who complained that the stewards and crew occupied the shelter and left the others out in the rain.

Witness: It’s entirely untrue. No distinction was made. Knew nothing of a blanket being snatched from Mrs Cavanagh. The bottle of whisky brought by settlers was not seized by the crew. It was served out. Heard no complaints against the officers or crew till he saw the paper that morning. It was untrue that for twenty-four hours the women and children were left without shelter.

Questioned as to the time of the wreck, witness said there was a thick misty fog. De Wolfe showed no signs of incapacity. Witness had got liquor at the bar when off duty. He saw no drinking on board. He had never seen De Wolfe under the influence oi liquor and unfit for duty.

David Forbes, A. 8., recalled, said, when the vessel struck, it was impossible to see anything for fog. There was no liquor among the crew. There was no truth in the statement that the men took shelter and left the women outside. Auckland, July 5.

At the Kia Ora enquiry to-day, referring to the statement by the Crown solicitor that the Rarawa did nothing for the crew, it was stated invoices would be produced showing that the Northern Company spent ,£2OO on provisions for the people in Nukuhaka Bay. Hugh Lester, second engineer, said two o’clock on the morning of the wreck the [chief engineer was perfectly sober. Elias Baggstrom, chief engineer recalled, denied that he went to the saloon to get whisky. He denounced the statement as to himself and De Wolfe leaving the saloon with three bottles of whisky as “ a lie, so absurd, unholy and fiendish ” that he could not express his feelings ‘ 1 unless he could meet his accusers in the ring, which would be more to his liking.” Although a Swede, he learned the art in England. Baggstrom admitted having two drinks with Captain Blacklock at Waitara, but none after. In answer to the magistrate, Mr Mays said there was no imputation against the captain or second officer. Baggstrom said De Wolfe was in full possession of his senses and executed all the orders. He took the boat clear of the ship.