WRECK OF THE HAWEA

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 279, 7 July 1888, Page 5

WRECK OF THE HAWEA

WELLINGTON, July 5. TlO5 inquiry into the loss of the steamer Hawera was resumed yesterday afternoon, when Mv Gully addressed bhe Court on behalf of the Customs, Mr Samuel on behalf of the New Plymouth Harbour Board, and Mr Edwards on Captain Hansby'a behalf. TheCourt,afteran hour-and-a-halfs deliberation, returned the following verdict : — " That the nms>ler of the Hawea had been, informed by the harbourmaster that it was safe for him to bring in his vessel at halfpast six a.m. ; that the usual leading liglits were exhibited, and the ship brought in on, the fair- way line in"a good position ; that the starboard anchor was let go, and the ship almost immediately struck lightly on the port bilge abaft the engine-room ; that she struck again several times heavily,. ,and goon began to fill; and became a total wreck-; that she struck the bottom about 150 feet to the eastward' of tho fairway lino, but whether a rock" or hard sand back, or any other substance, there is^ no evidence to show, bub from a consideration of the evidence on' the whole we are satisfied 'fhe did not 1 strike upon her own anchor; that the master is not tbtila'm'e, as he book all proper, precaution for 'the safety of his vesse} jn< bringing her' into harbour." Captain Hansb'y was handed ~baok his* certificate. • The Court made no order far costs, ••