THE PORT KEMBLA INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1917, Page 8

THE PORT KEMBLA INQUIRY.

EVIDENCE OF THE CAPTAIN. PRECAUTIONS WHEN LOADING. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Yesterday. The inquiry into the sinking of the Port Kembla was opened to-day before Mr. Riddell, S.M., Dr. MacLaurih (Government analyst), and Captain Neville. Macassey. Mr. Macassey, for the Marine Department, in opening, said there was no doubt about the vessel having been sunk by an internal explosion, but he did not propose to show how or by whom the bomb was placed on board. That was a matter for the police. Captain Jack narrated the details of the sinking. He said his instructions to come to New' Zealand were secret, and lie did not think any member ,of the crew was aware of them, (.ireat precautions iwere taken in loading the vessel. There was a military guard on the wharf and ship, and no one was allowed on board without a pass. The laborers were searched, and everybody With bags and parcels was examined. Every opening on deck into which anything could be dropped was covered with iron gauze. Explosives might have come aboard in the cargo. The ship was loaded toy free labor and members of the crew. FURTHER EVIDENCE. Wellington, Last Night. The first and second officers testified to the explosion toeing manifestly internal. It was not so violent as if the vessel had struck a mine or been hit by a torpeddV Part of the fore hatch was blown off. Tile second officer (Mr. Churton) said after the explosion were very dark' with acid, and the taste made him sick after lie was in the boat. Chief Engineer Watt, who was on the Port Adelaide when she was torpedoed, and other members of the crew who had ■been in torpedoed ships, declared the explosion occurred internally. Gunner ißenneberg said the ammunition was stored in a special chamber aft. There was no other evidence. The Court gives its decision to-morrow. REWARD FUND OPENED. Received Sept. 27. 0.10 p.m. Sydney, Sept. 27. The Sun newspaper has opened a reward fund in connection with the 'Port Kembla explosion. Several business houses are contributing.