WRECK OF THE S.S. PELHAM.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1543, 17 August 1886, Page 1

WRECK OF THE S.S. PELHAM.

The 8.8. Pelham has broken up. The official inquiry was commenced oh Saturday and continued on Saturday. After describing the voyage, the Captain said he whistled several times for the Pilot, who did not come. He at last saw the boat going across, the channel, ani remained still for a time. He whistled again, and not seeing- the boat coming towards him he went dead slow ahead, pointing, if anything,' a little outside of the boat, keeping it on his port bow, and watching for signals from the .semaphore, but none were made. Immediately after that the vessel struck. He put the helm hard a port and went half speed ahead, and immediately after Tull speed ahead, and blew the whistle, the vessel meanwhile striking heavily. The pilot boat came alongside immediately after the vessel struck. She was still ; steaming full speed ahead, but did .not move. Ho was on the upper bridge from k quarter to six a.m.. Captain Tyson, the harbor master, came on the bridge, and witness asked “ Why could you lie there still and see me go ashore ?” Captain - ‘Tyson replied, “ I’m not going out to be swamped. iSee,. I’m wet now.” He, added that, be had only two men in the boat,'and' could not'dome out. Witness asked how he coulcl come then, and Captain Tyson [answered that the less said was easier Witness asked why the sig'hal was not made from- 1 ths boat,'and r Captain' Tyshn Stid that he did so. Witness replied after I struck,” the ship’s company gave evidence which corroborated in the main the captain’s evidence, and the case was adjourned.: ;r . . 7 .*