THE KIA ORA WRECK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 6 July 1907, Page 2

THE KIA ORA WRECK.

CONTINUATION OF ENQUIRY. PASSENGERS' ALLEGATIONS DENIED. i! wvlie volunteers to give EVIDENCE. Per Press Association. Auckland, July 5. At the Kin Ora enquiry to-day, re•rring to statements by the Crowu Solitor that the l'arawa did nothing folic crow, a witness said he would prouco invoices showing that the Northern ompany spent .-€2OO on provisions for ooj>lg at Nukuhaka Bay. Jlugh Lister, second engineer, said hat at 2 o'clock on the morning of the ■reck, the chief engineer was perfectly ober. Elias Baggstrom, chief engineer, rcalled, denied that he went to the saloon o get whisky. Baggstrom denounced the statement s to himself and De Wolfe leaving the aloon with three bottles of whisky, as n ie, and as so absurd, so unholy, and lien-li-sh that lie could not express his feeings, unless they could have a "ring," vhich would be more to his liking. Al,hough a Swede, he learned that art in England. Baggstrom admitted- having ;\vo drinks with Captain Biacklock at (V'aitara, but none after. In answer to the magistrate, Mr Mays said there was no imputation against the captain and second oilicer. Baggstrom said De Wolfe was in full possession of his senses, and executed :dl orders. He took the boat clear of the ship. Later. Chief Engineer Baggstrom continued liis evidence. He was asked by Mr Mays: Do the members of the Bhip's crew and officers, nsywell as passengers, use the Northern Company's boats as a base for sly-grog trading'/ 8 b Witness: I don't know anything about Mr Mays: Do you know whether liquor is sold from the steamers and taken ashore? Witness: I have over seen it done, and dont know of it. Witness: 1 have never seen it done, and manded during your service for insobriety ? Witness: No. Mr Mays: How have you found De Wolfe since you first met him. Witness: Not a teetotaller. Mr Mays: Has De Wolfe ever caused you anxiety when in charge of the boat? Witness: No. Mr Mays: Have you ever seen him under the influence of liquor? Witness: No; not as far as that. He has not had too much when on board the ship, in my mind. Mr Mays: Can you give us any reason why Cavanagli swore that you and De Wolfe had three bottle filled with wliisIcy? Witness: I cannot explain it. It is beyond my conception. Mr Mays: Never mind that; is it true or untrue? Witness: Untrue. Mr Mays: Can you explain why you took the lead, and your superior officers obeyed yon? Witness: Strengtli of character, I'sup. pose. Mr Kettle: You have a stronger will and a stronger personality that is ob vions. Mr Mays: Have you heard complaints about steermen in the Northern Company? Witness: No. Mr Mays stated that, Dr. Wylie, whe went up by the Rarawa, had telegraplict that ho wished to give evidence, an<" asked if Tuesday morning would suitIt was agreed to take him on that day The second officer, James Robertson re-called for examination by Mr Clayton stated that at !) o'ccloek, half an lion: before sailing, lie went into De Wolfe'; room, and found him lying asleep on hii bunk. He got up, and witness saw no thing out of place in De Wolfe's condi tion. Mr Kettle: Do you swear that a; far as you know ho was sober? Witness: Yes, I can swear it. Mr Kettle: Was the comfort of tin women and children sacrificed in ail) way for that of the men? Witness: No, I could see nothing tc object to. ill* Kettle: Have you ever seen Di Wolfe under the influence of liquor? Witness: No. Josephine Kellor, the stewardess, was called, and corroborated the story ol the officers and crew. Questioned regarding Cavunagh'f story, she said his wife was well looked after at the shelter on the shore, and was sitting near the fire at witness feet. Asked, was there anything in the conduct of the crew or passengers yon would pronounce selfish, she said "Yes," One was Air Cavanagli. lie never lifted a hand to help, or carried n stick n! wood for the fire. She had heard Cavanagli make no complaint. The inquiry was adjourned till Monday. One of the witnesses who gave evidence respecting the sobriety of certain of the officers and alleged neglect of the passengers by the crew, also brouglit Dr Wvlie under his lash, alleging that the injured passengers might have received more attention. Those who were present on the Rarawa, and witnessed the doctor's pluck in the hazardous trip to reach the survivors, will be pleased to know lie has taken the first opportunity of giving his version of this episode.