THE TAINUI INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 October 1919, Page 7

THE TAINUI INQUIRY.

■ THE CONDITION OF THE VESSEL. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, October 14. The nautical inquiry into the loss of the Tainui was continued to-day. The sole survivor, Farrand, re-called, gave evidence that he did not notice fumes of benzine on the trip or when awakened by the explosion. When the lifeboat was put over the side he remembered M'Lean putting ill the plug. GeoTge Thomas Slade, chief engineer at Smithfield, Timaru, for the Refrigerating Company, gave evidence that he visited the Tainui in September and saw the repairs being effected. The captain and witness were both satisfiedthat good repair work had been done. Alexander Kuss, watersider, gave evidence that leaking cases were put on one side and sent on deck. He did not consider the Tamui's hold proper for stowing benzine. Christchurch, Last Night. At the Tainui nautical inquiry George Tapp, recalled, said that after repairs were effected in Timaru he inspected, the hold to see if there were any more holes and was satisfied there were none which had not been repaired. Captain Cowan also made an examination and expressed appreciation, of the work done. There were no defects in the insulation walls or bulkheads which could possibly be a source of danger when he finished the repairs at Timaru on September 13th. The inquiry was adjourned till tomorrow. i