WRECK OF THE TRIUMPH.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1128, 21 December 1883, Page 3

WRECK OF THE TRIUMPH.

The Enquiry.

[per press association.]

AUCKLAND, This day. The Triumph enquiry commenced today. Mr Hesketh appeared for Captain Brotherton. Mr Hesketh, on behalf of the Captain, said that the latter would not seek to excuse himself on any grounds whatever. He took all the blame on himself. He would not question as to the fineness of the night, nor the fact that ho received the right course from the pilot. He wished simply to explain that owing to exhaustion from illness and work and worry he dozed while standing

on the bridge; and was recalled to consciousness when too late to save the ship. If that explanation would shorten the enquiry he would be glad to have offered it. Commenting on this the Crown prosecutor said if-the captain: dozed off ho had ’witnesses to say that a few minutes before the -vessel struck they saw him ; moving about the bridge, and they called to him. He would, also like,, to know, how the Captain could account for the fact of the officers engaged on the deck not seeing the light or being aware of the danger. He would also call testimony to show that there had been a great deal of ■■jollification before the ship left,'in which (he officers and saloon passengers took part, and some of the crew were taken on board the Triumph in a state of helpless intoxication. The pilot deposed to taking the ship out of harbour and giving the Captain two alternate courses, one being direct and the otlvr to go by the east of Tiritiri. He thought Captain Brotherton was sober enough to take charge of the ship. The enquiry is still proceeding.