STAR OF CANADA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 49, 16 July 1912, Page 5

STAR OF CANADA.

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisborne, Monday. The magisterial inquiry into the stranding of the Star of Canada opened this morning before Mr. Burton, S.M., with Captains Post and Chrisp as assessors. Mr. F. W. Nolan represented the Collector of Customs, Mr. M. Myers, Captain Hart, and Messrs. Alston and Colman, of the Gisborne Harbor Board. Captain Hart deposed that he anchored at the usual anchorage for ocean steamers, which he had used repeatedly for nine years, always finding good holding ground. On Sunday, the 23rd, the wind became squally in the afternoon, the sea was moderate, and the steamer was lying quietly. The squalls increasing, at 7.45 p.m. he gave orders that the port anchor be got ready, and also called the chief engineer, who said it would take half an hour at the longest to warm the engines up. Steam was already ii]) at 1801b. pressure. Witness continued to watch the ship, which was riding quite easilv, with no alteration in bearings, At 10.30 he left the deck for a few momenta, leaving the third officer in charge. At 10.40 the officer called that there was a black squall coining down. Witness returned on deck and decided to proceed to sea. There was no increase of wind or sea. but he feared, with the confined anchorage, lie might lose his hearings and not lie able to find his way out. He gave orders to the chief engineer to get ready immediately. At 11 o'clock a violent squall came down, accompanied by blinding rain and hail, that shut off the lights and all land marks. Witness sent to the chief engineer to hurry up. The first thing he noticed when the weather cleared, eight minutes later, was on the Starboard side of the vessel, and he saw the ship's head passing a point of land that, he concluded, was Tuametu Island. ' The ship was heading east, and formerly had been south-south-west. He concluded that the vessel had parted from her anchor, and ordered the chief officer to run forward and let go the port anchor. Before he could do so the vessel struck. Witness ordered not to let go the port anchor, and gave "Full speed astern on the port engine and heave away on the starboard cable," trying to get the ship off. The stem at first was in deep water, and the engines responded immediately. The vessel, however, continued to drive further on shore. Witness then put the helm hard a-starboard and the engines full speed ahead, trying to pivot the ship on the pinnacle she was resting on forward. This proved unsuccessful, and the vessel continued to drive on shore. The squalls were heavy and increasing, and the sea rising. He continued using the engines, hauling on the cables.till nineteen minutes past midnight. Distress signals were sent up and soundings taken. It was reported that water was in the three holds, and he ordered the pumps to concentrate on No. 2 hold, containing frozen meat. The water, however, rose fast on the pumps, which continued till 10 a.m., being unsuccessful. He estimated that the vessel drifted one and a half cables before she struck. Gisborne, Last Night. The nautical inquiry into the stranding of the Star of Canada was continued this afternoon. A great deal of evidence was heard. It is expected that the inquiry will lie concluded to-morrow.