THE TONGARIRO.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 September 1916, Page 2

THE TONGARIRO.

INQUIRY OPENED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Sept. 15. An inquiry into the wreck of the Tongariro was opened to-day before Mr. W. 0. Kiddell, and Captains Johnson (Wellington) and Reid (Auckland), assessors. Captain Harry Makepeace, master of the vessel, deposed that the ship left Auckland) on August 2!). After passing Arid rock on the 30th ' lie altered the vessel's course to south 34, west true. Replying to the Magistrate witness said that no bearings were taken at. Table Cape. The officers had standing instructions to take bearings at every available point, but none were taken on this occasion. Witness relieved the chief officer at (i.45, and altered the course one point with a view of keeping well clear of Bull Rock. •' He then took bearings and then found he was l'/2 miles inside the original course, a line which would "nave put the ship four miles from the' rock. The ship struck a few minute 3 afterwards. He then took the necessary measures to save life. Captain Makepeace, further examined, said there must have been .a strong wes-, terly set towards the shore to-make the Tongariro get where she was, also another set which incroased the vessel's speed. When she was on Bull Rock he found he had over-run his distance about o'/s miles. He attributed this to the set. The inquiry is proceeding.