WRECK ENQUIRY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 196, 20 August 1877, Page 2

WRECK ENQUIRY.

[Before L. Broad, Esq., R.M., and Capt. Johnston, Nautical Assessor.] THIS~DAY. John Ernest Going, examined by Mr Pitt: I considered the chief mate was in 'charge of the deck, as the first thing he did when I came on deck was to order me to set the spanker. I did not like the mate taking charge of my watch, but as he was an older man I did not demur to it. Between eleven and twelve o'clock the vessel was steering south. The light was to the westward. I think the ship was nearest to the light a u 0t a J after tea °' clock - I have been round the Spit before. I believe it was Mr Baillie s ..id with regard to the red light, " There it is opening now." That is the reason I did not tell him when I saw it. I don't believe it was surf that I saw through the glass as I have been down to the ship since. When the ship struck there was no surf or breakers. I did not notice the bearing of fche light at the time the ship struck. I think the compasses would be as reliable before the ship got aground as afterwards. By Mr Adams: Between 10 and 11 sometimes the Captain and sometimes jMr Baillie gave the orders to the man at the wheel. I gave none myself between those hours. This concluded the second mate's examination, and some of the seamen were to be examined when our reporter left the Court.