PENGUIN INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 54, 4 March 1903, Page 2

PENGUIN INQUIRY.

CAPTAIN ACQUITTED OF BLAIIB, FEB PRESS ASSOCIATION, Wellington, Mtrch 20. Dr Mc 4r'hur, S M., sitting with Captains Waddilova and Smith as asssssors, ht Id an inquiry to-day in'o the grouuding of thi Penguin off Waihi Point, J tcksin Head, on the night of February 26 th. Oap'ain McArthu-, m'B v er of the vessel, deposed that he ran into a thick fog at 11.58 pm., and he immediately gave orders to stop. H ) was preparing to drop anchor whan the vessel gently glided on to a ledge of kelp-covered rocks. The-e were five fathoms of water astern, and three n.n 1 a half forward. The ve-sel was fast just amidships. It was imp ssibl) to sea anything at th > t irne. The visse' cm i off at high tide, six hour-i later. The fog had com* down suddenly off he hilU Up till its app wanes the w<aDher had been clear. Niv ff.i ion of tha Sounds was difficult, trying, and h gvdous a', ■light, us there were no lights. Oorrobora' iva ovi lenoe was given by members of the crew. The Oouct found that t.l'e miship was due to a dea#e fjg enveloping the ship at a critical nnment, acquitting the captain and officers of any blune whatever, and considered thei- co iduct after the mishap was worthy of nil praisp.