WRECK OF THE WOOLLAHRA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8869, 20 July 1907, Page 2

WRECK OF THE WOOLLAHRA.

The Inquiry. Per Press Association. Wellington, July 19. An inquiry concerning tho wreck of the barque Woollahra at Tcrawhiti on Sunday last was opened to-day before Dr McArthur, S.M., with whom Captains Larkin and W. J. Gray were associated as assessors. .Alexander Pocte, chief officer of the Woollahra, said that after the tug left the ship at Wellington Hoads on Sunday, he was on watch until 8 o’clock in the evening when ho was relieved by the second officer. Captain Andrcsscn was also on deck, and there had been no difficulty in handling the vessel. Ho went below and was duo on watch again at midnight, but about ten minutes before that hour was aroused by shouts of, “ All hands on deck,” and found tho ship ashore. Witness then described the experiences of the crow on tho vessel and their escape to shore in the dinghy. He tried to persuade tho captain to leave, but be refused, saying ho would'remain until daybreak. Ho could not account for tho wreck. Prom the position tho vessel was'in when ho surrendered charge, her going ashore was a mystery, oven m face of tho changed weather. William Gough, fha second mate, said the wreck occurred in his watch. He did not see the chart, and although he knew the relative position' of the light on Penoarrow Hoad he could not now point out on the chart, the position the ship was in when ho relieved the mate The captain | went below at 9.80 p.m. but returned to dock at 10.15 p.m. when tho wind, which had been northerly, changed to the south; There had been no change in course up till then. Land was reported to leeward at 11.80 p.m. and the captain went to tho forecastle head and changed the course. Soon after breakers worq seen ahead and tho barque struck. Tno captain told witness and the crow to get ashore as host they could but he would remain for daylight. Witness was for going ashore straight away, but tho men said, no, we’ll stick to the captain. Counsel; Did tho captain givo you any of his things ? —Yes, his watch and about £l3O to be given to his wife if I got ashoro. Ho gave mo those iu bis cabin. Havo you anything to say against tho navigation ?—No. . To what do you attribute tho wreck?—Sho must havo boon steered too close in.

After tho evidence of a couple of seamen had boon hoard, a lad named Felton, aged 18, an ordinary seaman, said he was tiro last with tho captain. Ho wont below, trying to persuade tho captain to get into the dinghy. Witness was putting a lifebelt on at tho time and said to tho skipper, “ Como, you have got your wife and children to look after.” Tho captain started for tho deck, but ho turned back and went down again saying, “ No, I will stick to tho ship.” Witness followed him down trying to pursua.de him to leave. Then ho heard tho in on on deck crying “shovo off,” and tho captain said ‘‘Go, my boy, and look after yourself, I will stay.” Witness could stay no longer, and going

on to tho deck was pulled over tho rail into the dinghy. Ho had previously heard the two mates trying to got Captain Androsson to leave. There vras throe feet of water in the skipper’s cabin when witness left him and tho captain walked into that ami sat down on the settee. As the dinghy was shoved away, the vessel gave a lurch and tho cabin filled. The Court will deliver its finding tomorrow.

Finding of Court. Tho Court gave its decision to-day as follows:—1. Tho casualty was not caused or contributed by negligent navigation or by any other negligence, carelessness or default on tho part of any person or persons on tho ship. 2. Tho causo of tho casualty was an error of judgment on the part of the masters to tho position of tho ship when tho wind shifted at or about 10.30 p.m. Tho Court considered the officers and members of the crow did all that was possible after tho vessel struck. It mentioned with commendation tho action of the second mate, William Gough, also the action of Walter Fenton, ordinary seaman, and Seaman Kouig.