THE FIRE ON THE WAIMATE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 293, 11 December 1901, Page 2

THE FIRE ON THE WAIMATE.

FINDINGS OF THE OOORT OF INQUIRY.

PUB PBBSS ASSOCIATION. Napier, December 10. This afternoon Mr A. Turnbull, S.M., announced the findings of the Oourt in the magisterial inquiry into the circumstances connected with the recent fire on the Waimate, The Oourt found as follows:—That the fire broke out in tbe flax stowed in No. 4 hold between decks, but there is no evidence to show how the aime originated; that all available means were taken to promptly extinguish the fire, but owing to the Harbour Botrd's watchman reporting to the harbourmaster that only one rocket had been sent up, the captain did not receive the prompt assi<tance from shore that he expected, while the evidence shows that at least six rockets were sent up, and it was not until ths steam whistle was blown, about an hour afterwards, that assistance came from the shore. The Oourt found also that there were on board the usual appliances for fire extinguishing purposes, the same as those fitted on all vessels of a similar olass. The appli-1 acces on this vessel were passed on the 27th July, 1901, by the Board of Trade under the Passengers Act. The assessors concurred in the rereport. 1