THE TITANIC DISASTER

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 280, 23 May 1912, Page 5

THE TITANIC DISASTER

THE MYSTERIOUS ICEBERG. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, May 21. At the Titanic enquiry, Lightoller, the second officer, gave evidence that he ordered the opening of the gangway doors to enable passengers to enter tha unfilled boats, but he did not think the order -was executed. He was not aware then that the ship was sinking. It was difficult to say why the iceberg was not seen sooner, but the lookout was faced by extraordinary circumstances. There was no moon, wind, or swell. Had there been a swell (he iceberg would have been noticed in time. He believe'! the berg was one that had capsized, leaving the ice above water black. There was some difficulty in finding women to occupy the boats. Twice men gave up their places in the boats to women. It was untrue that the Titanic broke in two. He did not hear an explosion, but felt a rush of warm water.

THE RELIEF FUND. SAFETY APPLIANCES. Received 22, 11.30 p.m. London, May 21. With regard to the Titanic fund, the relatives of 351 members of the crew, including 208 widows, 309 children, and 188 defendants, have applied for relief, as have also the families of 136 British and foreign passengers. In the House of Commons, during a discussion on the Board of Trade estimates, Mr. Archer iShee censured the Board for neglecting to make regulations providing sufficient lifeboat accommodation for vessels.

Sir Chas. Beresford hoped that too much trust would not be placed in lifeboats. They could only be lowered safely on one day in twelve. He disapproved of watertight compartments with doors instead of scuttles. It was often impossible to close doors. Mr. Buxton said the Government was consulting with Germany with a view to an international conference on the subject of safety appliances at sea. He denied that the Board was neglectful. A careful revision of the regulations has been made, and the Board is considering the expediency of a compulsory installation of wireless telegraphy.