THE TAINUI INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 October 1919, Page 3

THE TAINUI INQUIRY.

FURTHER EVIDENCE.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.

Christchurch, Oct. 8. The inquest on the Taimii victims was resumed to-day. Frederick John Needham, manager of the coastal shipping of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, gave evidence to the effect that it was part of his duty to see that the vessel was kept in proper repair. His last inspection of the Taimii was made on the occasion of its annual overhaul in March. Witness detailed the construction of the vessel.

Continuing, Mr. Needham said he did not know at the time of survey that the amended regulations were in force requiring a certificate of the fitness of the vessel to carry petroleum. The Tainui had carried 30,000 cases of benzine since March, 1917.

Christchurch, Last Night. Claude Ferrier, marine surveyor, who surveyed the oil from the schooner Caroline, which was loaded into the Tainui, said the cargo could be described as normal in comparison with other oil cargoes of recent years. Captain Wilson, Acting-Superintendent of Marine at Lyttelton, said that, in consequence of a comjiaint on September 12 by fireman Townslnd, as to benzine finding its way into the engine--room, he ordered the bilges to he cleaned and pumped out, and the benzine cargo in after the hatch was discharged. AVhen the cargo was taken out he examined the hold and found a hole, whicn was repaired. He informed Captain Cowan, on September IS, that, if there were more signs of benzine in the bilges, the boat would never carry benzine out of Lyttelton again. He also cautioned the master and mate against taking leaky cases. On the evening the Tainui sailed, he went to the engine.room. Fireman Townsend said: "She's all right now, so you needn't look" Witness said' "Thanks, but I want to satisfy myself." Captain Cowan then came into tot en-gine-room, and, after an inspection, was quite satisfied there was no benzine flowing in the bilges, and that the en-gine-room was free from fumes. He left the boat quite satisfied at that time she ,vas a safe ship.* The Tainui was suitufble for carrying benzine, provided leaky eases were not taken in. The furnace was the dangerous point of the ship, and he thought the explosion was caused through the benzine leaking and coming into contact with the ftir:'nace or ashes from it. None of the crew complained to him. The Tainui was well found, and all his requisitions had been complied with. He did not think the explosion took place in the engine-room or stokehold. If the mate had superintended the stowing of the ploughs, .witness would be satisfied they were' well stored.

The inquest was adjourned till to morrow.