WHERE WAS THE CALIFORNIA?

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3510, 29 April 1912, Page 5

WHERE WAS THE CALIFORNIA?

A FRESH SENSATION. WITNESS ALLEGES THAT CALIFORNIAN IGNORED TITANIC’S SIGNALS. V ALTHOUGH SHE WAS ONLY TEN MILES AWAY. N THE CAPTAIN EXPLAINS. [UNITED PRESS . A SSOCIATION COPYRIGH fl (Received April 28, 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 27. There was a sensation when Gill, the 'Californian’s donkey-engine-man, gave evidence that he, saw the Titanic send up a white, rocket when about ten miles away at midnight. He did not notify the bridge because the bridge could see for themselves. An apprentice officer, however, informed the captain, who disregarded the signals of distress.

Gill added that ho tried to organise a deputation of the crew to go to the captain to protest, but the men were afraid of losing their jobs. Captain Lord, of the Californian, denied Gill’s allegations, and stated that when he came to the icefields he wirelessed the Titanic, which was 19 J luiles away. Tiie Titanic replied: "Shut up; got out.”

Witness saw none of the Titanic signals. If he had received the C.C.D. signal on Sunday lie could have reached the Titanic in two hours.

Another ship lay within four or five miles of the Californian all night. She sent up several white rockets, which were not distress signals.

The Californian replied with Morse signals.

Witness continuing said: ! T told the wireless operator to ascertain the vessel’s name, but she did not reply, so I went to bed. I was told that she steamed away about four.

I am sure she was not the Titanic

Evans, the California’s wireless operator, stated that he went to bed at 11.25 p.mS on the Sunday. Previously, at the captain’s order, he warned the Titanic of the icebergs. The Titanic’s operator replied : “Shut up! you jammed mo working with Cape Race!” The chief officer awoke witness at 3.40 a.m., saying that he had seen rockets, and wanted information. Witness continued: “1 called the Frankfurt, and learned that the Titanic was sinking. “It was generally believed on the Californian that the rockets were from the Titanic.”

Buley, one of the Titanic’s seamen, gave evidence that a steamer with two lights at the masthead was visible when the Titanic struck.

Witness continued : “She passed right by, and we thought she was coming to our help, and told the passengers, so as to keep them quiet. The ship must have seen the rockets, as we saw the ship itself.” Mr. Franklin (recalled) denied any attempt to reinsure the Titanic prior to the news of her sinking.