The Inquiry.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 76, 28 February 1884, Page 2

The Inquiry.

DuNEDtN, February 26. An inquiry into the Waiiurapa"" collision was. begun to-day at Port Chalmers before the collector of customs and Captain Thomson. The following are the principal points brought out in the evidence : — Captain Chatfield stated that the ss Adelaide was close astern, when she tried to pass and collided. By Mr Haokworth ; Did not report the : collision to the Customs 'authorities. The Adelaide? left Melbourne immediately after us. On reaching Williamstown the Adelaide was about a ship's length astern, and he -gave the order for " Full speed ahead." If ho (Captain Chatfield) had stopped or eased the engines, the steamer would have cannoned off the bank and probably would have sunk the Adelaide. They were going at ordinary full speed. The Adelaide got nearly abreast, and seemed to take a run over toward? the "Vyaifarapa.. The Adelaide kept so close that he could not get away from her. Thomas Popham, of the Wairarapa, chief engineer, also described the collision. He stated that he had heard ndthing in reference to the two boats racing* The weather was quite clear, and the lights of both vessels ciould be, plainly seen. .Frederick Per'kin, a passenger, said that at the time of the collision there was a great deal of shouting going\on, -principally from the Adelaide. He did not imagine, and heard nothing- on board to denote there was any race. William Mouaib, chief engineer, said they were full speed aftet leaving Williamstown,. the Ade-j---laide was close behind. Henry Anderson, second officer, and Fred" Galling, qtfa^ter-master were also examined. The latter said he believed it was the Adelaide's, intentiqn to drive the Wairarapa on to the bank. He did not Hear any remarks about the' boats racing. The inquiry stands adjourned for the evidenpe of Captain Cameron, the marine, superintendent of the Un"6n Company.