PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20822, 5 June 1939, Page 7

PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS

EXPLANATION BY COMPANY VESSEL NOT OVERCROWDED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, June 4 Replying to rumours that the Thetis had been involved in previous accidents, and also that there were too many on board, the managing director of (Jammed Laird and Company, Mr It. S. Johnson, said the previous mishaps were insignificant. Once the Thetis hit the firm's dock after a trial, and another trial had been postponed because the diving gear was unworkable, but the Thetis had dived twice previously in the dock basin. Mr Johnson denied that the submarine was overcrowded on her last trial, and said it was necessary to carry sub-contractors and Admiralty officials. About a dozen could have been accommodated on board the accompanying tug, but they had preferred to go in the submarine. NEW ZEALAND SYMPATHY VISCOUNT GALWAY'S MESSAGE LOSS OF VALUABLE LIVES (By Teiegraoli—rrc3j Association) WELLINGTON, Monday The following message has been sent by Viscount Galway, GovernorGeneral of New Zealand, to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs in connection with the loss of the submarine Thetis: “The Government and people of New Zealand have learned with the deepest regret of thd disaster which befel the Thetis and the tragic loss of valuable lives. To the relatives of those unable to be rescued they send heartfelt sym-