THE WARATAH INQUIRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 950, 4 February 1911, Page 3

THE WARATAH INQUIRY.

London, Feb i. At the Waratah inquiry counsel for the relatives declared that the evidence of stability was prepared from data, not actual experience. The log showed that there was trouble with the vessel on the first voyage. It was singular that Captain Ilbery had not communicated the ship’s behaviour to the owners, who certainly heard it from someone else. Counsel did not think it possible for a firm of integrity to write letters merely to get money from the builders. Apparently when it was required to make a quick trip Captain Ilbery placed coal on the spardeck, trusting not to encounter a storm. Counsel for the builders contended that the evidence of stability was largely by depositions, and the Court had no opportunity for cross-examining. The vessel was built by a firm who enjoyed the confidence of all shipowning classes, and was handed to Lund’s. She was perfectly safe if properly loaded and handled. Counsel for the owners argued it was likelier that the Waratah was lost in a storm than through a breakdown or some unexplained cause. He emphasised the important evidence of a long slow roll in contrast to the allegation of a jerk. A ship, which was possibly tender in light trim, would be quite stiff when loaded. Counsel for the owners asked the Court to say that the loss of the Waratah was not due to want of stability and was no fault of the owners. Counsel for the Board of Trade did not think it a sound view that the builder’s responsibility end ad in constructing a ship from the owner’s plans. There was much conflicting evidence relative to the correspondence between Captain Ilbery and the owners, also as to the condition of the life-boats. Judgment will be given on February 15th.