SINKING OF THE HIPPOLAS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 250, 27 November 1909, Page 2

SINKING OF THE HIPPOLAS.

EVIDENCE AT THE ENQUIRY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Friday. Tlie enquiry concerning the wreck of the barque Hippolns commenced to-day. t 'aplain Morris, after narrating the circumstances lending up to the vessel's striking Walker's liock, said it was i-i.t possible to bench the vessel on account of the gale. He did not consider Captain Stewart bad any right to take away the Hippolns. AU that was asked for in the signals was assistance. He kne»- Cook .Straits well. He had sc*n the Jackson's beacon on previous occasions and fully expected to sec it this time, He had no reason to suppose the light was out. The courses he steered were, he considered, safe courses. What made him strike the rock was the current's taking him out of his course. Joseph Frew, chief officer of :he Tnkupuim, which was towing tile Hippolas 'when the latter sank, stated that it would uot have been safe for the Takapuiia to .rave tried to beach the barque in Tikirangi Hay. The idea was to beach her at Pieton.

THE COURT'S FINDING. THE CAPTAIN EXONERATED. Wellington. Last Night. Captain Stewart, master of the TakaI puna, gave evidence as to finding the Hippalas, and taking her in low. He saw no signals at Titirangi Bay, though he looked through his glasses', nor did he see signs of the ship's boat. George Whitton, able seaman on the Hippolas, said the crew had agreed when they left tile ship Rial it was unsafe to slay, as she might turn turtle at any moment.

VA lthout retiring the Court delivered iU jud;*ncnt. It jouud that during the ■whole voyage Captain Nnrris hud "excused the utmost care. The striking on Walker Mock was not due to or contributed to by negligence or carelessness. After striking the master adopted the best measure* for the safety of the barque and crew. The barque 'was wholly abandoned, and the master was justified in doing so. The captain of the Takapuna acted properly in Inkhi" the harque in tow. and endeavorim* to reach Picton instead of beaching her.