THE ELINGAMITE INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 11, 14 January 1903, Page 2

THE ELINGAMITE INQUIRY.

MB PRBSB ASSOCIATION. Auckland, January 13. Mr Cutter, who appeared on behalf of the engineers at the Elingamito inquiry this morning, devoted himself to supp >r*,ing the evidence given by thoM engineers. He said that the failure of the propellor to reverse was due to its being jammed, probably by striking some obstruction outside the ship be* fore the order oould be carried into effect.. In any oase the subordinate engineers should not be htld responsible when noting under the personal direetions of the chief engineer. Mr Tul ■, who appeared for the Collector cf Customs, gave en address of i three hours, in the couree of whioh he said that regulations should be mtd* and observed as to drill and manipulation of boats. He hoped one result of the inquiry would be the framing of new regulations.

Mr. Haselden.S.M., remarked thai, however strongly the Court might feel on the matter, he did no*, think thtf wpuld mike any such reoommenda< tions. This was rath- r a matter for a special commission which could found its conclusions upon uninterested evidence. No doubt, however, the «vid. ence which had been taken would form the bisU of some action. Mr To'e contended there hat) been im.iruden', negligent, and unskilful negation of the vessel prior to the, wreck ; tint tin re had bean a defective log, ftl e reckoning,, and too much theory us to the ship's position. There was mIo a want of preptrednesa on the par. of those in the engine room. The Oourt hopes t) give its decision ou Monday.