Kia Ora Inquiry.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 43115, 9 July 1907, Page 3

Kia Ora Inquiry.

A QUEER STATE OF AFFAIRS

(By Telegraph—Trews Association.)

AUCKLAND, This DayAt the Kia Ora inquiry Morris Stuaman made a statement that he was taken to the office of Mr Mays, counsel for the Crown, and told by a mate that he had confessed he was drunk and the chief steward had committed perjury, and wanted him to confess he served the mate with a drink.

Mr Mays interjected, and said the man’s statement was absolutely untrue, if the Court would give to him the opportunity he would deny it on oath.

In answer to Mr Mays, Morris said he had not made this statement when previously examined, because it did not occur to him till after he had heard Patterson’s statement regarding a conversation with Mays at Kaaoia.

Partridge, whose whole leg was broken at the time of the wreck, said he thought De Wolfe was not very steady, nor fit to have charge of the bridge.

Witness was closely examined as to his own condition, and admitted saying that he was full, when asked to have a drink. He was well looked after subsequent to the wreck.