THE KIA ORA WRECK

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2117, 27 June 1907, Page 3

THE KIA ORA WRECK

* INQUIRY OPENED. Press Association. AUCKLAND, yesterday. Tlio nautical inquiry into tlio wreck of tlio s.s. Kia Oro. involving the loss of three lives, opened to-dny before Mr. Kottlo, S.M, and Captains Grant and Sehofiold, assessors. In roply to tlio Magistrate, Mr. Mays, representing the Crown 1 rosocutor, Stated that no clinrgo was made against anyone. Mr. Mays stated Captain Blacklock was on watch till 10.15 pan. and then lie was relieved by Mr. Do Wolfe, first officer. with instructions to call tlio captain at 2.45 a.m., when Captain Blacklock expected to bo near iiuivhia. Between 2 aud 3 tlio captain w as on deck several times, looking at the course, tlio weather having become thick. He was consulted about tlio vessel’s course, but no alteration was made. When the Kia Ora struck sho was eight miles eastward of her course, which was north a, quarter oast. Thoro was a deviation of eight miles in 41 miles, or 1 mile in every five, and this would bo tlio real point of the enquiry. Both officers maintained they kept the course north quarter east .that the compasses were right as far as they knew, that tlio helmsman and look-out. wero capable men, and fulfilled their duties. It was quite clear everybody did his duty after the casualty. Tlio serious point of tlio enquiry was as to the deviation from the course. It had been suggested that in foggy weather thi, ironsand on the coast affected the compasses. Do Wolfe, first officer, in his evidence, saiil lie allowed nothing for deviation, there being plenty of room in the course. The captain had allowed for deviation in sotting tlie course.