The Southern Cross PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Invercargill, Saturday, Dec. 15. The Wairarapa Enquiry.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 38, 15 December 1894, Page 8

The Southern Cross PUBLISHED WEEKLY. Invercargill, Saturday, Dec. 15. The Wairarapa Enquiry.

“ A righteous judgment ” will be the verdict of the public upon the finding of the Court which inquired into the lamentable disaster at the Great Barrier. The late Captain Mclntosh is held responsible for having driven the ill-fated steamer to her doom—whether from over-confidence, a desire to make a record passage, or through the after-effects of influenza will never be known. Due recognition is made of the heroism displayed on that awful night by the stewardesses, the engineers, and several others, and a word of reproach is uttered because so many of the crew were saved wMle women and children perished. M r e are told, in effect, that the conduct of some of' the survivors was unworthy of British seamen. As for the boat drill said to have been practised it is pronounced a farce. The deliverance of the court will be widely read, and cannot but quicken the sense of responsibility in those chargeable with the safety of the travelling public. They have been taught a lesson, but how terrible its cost!