THE PENGUIN DISASTER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 25 February 1909, Page 3

THE PENGUIN DISASTER.

The enquiry into the wreck of the Penguin was continued on Tuesday. Evidence was given regarding the variations and strong currents iu Cook Strait by Capt. Kennedy (of the Maponrika), Capt. Eckford (Opawa), Capt. Dewhurst (Putiki), Capt. Watson (Poherua), and Capt. Stewart (Pateeua). Evidence was also given by S. G. Stringer, Government Surveyor of Ships ; A. H. Thompson, late purser of the Penguin : Geo. P. Parrel and C, L. Jackson, late A.B.’s of the Pedguin ; Gerald Bridge, R. M. Jack, W. H. Green and O. H. Wicktorin, passengers by the Penguin and by Robt. S. Watt, second steward. Further evidence was given at the Penguin enquiry yesterday regarding the variations and strong currents in Cook Strait. Captain Vickerman, master of s.s. Kennedy stated that he left Wellington for Nelson on the 12th February, and when he reached the Brothers he found a terrific current running, at least seven knots. Counsel for the Marine Department stated that he proposed to let all the six questions stand, with the exception of No. 2. After hearing the evidence, he did not suggest that it was not safe to sail from Tory Channel on the night of the wreck, and accordingly he proposed to substitute the following : —“ Whether, under the existing weather conditions at anytime alter 9.15 p.m. shelter should have been sought or the vessel’s head put to sea till morning instead of continuing on her course to Wellington ?” The following additional questions would also be added : —(7) Whether under the circumstances shown by the evidence soundings should have been taken, and if so, after what time ? (8) Whether it is necessary or desirable that coasting vessels should be fitted with patent sounding gear ? Captain Post, ot the steamer Tutanekai, called by the Court, said he had had considerable experience of Cook Strait while cable laying. D. McArthur: By virtue of that experience you know something of tides ? Witness : I reckoned I did once, but I don’t now. The tides should have been one way, and I found them frequently another. The strength of the tides, he added, varied considerably. One day he found the tide running seven knots off Terawhiti, and none at all next day. The patent sounding - apparatus was undoubtedly superior to the lead. It would be of great use on coasting vessels, but he would not go the length of saying it was absolutely necessary. The course set by Captain Naylor on the night of the wreck, under normal conditions, was a very safe one.

Counsel: To what do you attribute the wreck ? Witness: I can only say one thing ; the act of God.

Dr. McArthur: You mean that you give it up ? Witness: Yes, something which cannot be accounted for.

The questions submitted for the Court were: — 1. Whether the said vessel was sea-worthy and properly found, parMcularly with regard to the lifeboats and other life-saving appliances, and whether such appliances were sufficient and efficient and properly attended to, and whether boat drill was properly carried out on the said vessel.

2. Whether, under the existing weather conditions, it was safe and proper for the said vessel to sail from Picton, or from the head of Tory Channel, or whether, when she reached the head of Tory Channel, or afterwards, shelter should have been sought instead of the vessel’s course to Wellington having been continued ? 3. Generally, what was the cause or what were the causes to which the said casualty was due ? 4. In particular, whether the said casualty was due to or contributed to by the negligence or wrongful act or default of any person pr persons on the said vessel, a- f so, who were such person or sous, and what the nature of such negligence, wrongful act, or default ?

5. Could the said casualty reasonably have been prevented, and, if so, how ? 6. After the casualty were all reasonable and proper precautions taken to prevent loss of life, and, if not, what precautions that ought to have been taken were omitted ?