Result Of "Tiafau"
p. 56 · Read in the full issue
Inquiry In Samoa
From Our Own Correspondent APIA, April 9.
THE Commission of Inquiry into the -*• wreck of the motor launch Tiafau has submitted its finding to the Acting Administrator (Mr. A. C. Turnbull). The finding was not unanimous, one of the assessors dissenting.
It is reported that the finding charges the owners of the launch, Messrs. Burns Philp (S.S.) Co. Ltd. and also the master and the engineer with negligence. This verdict of the Commission is not in accordance with public opinion, which tends to put the responsibility for the disaster elsewhere.
It is understood that the matter has been submitted to the New Zealand Gov ernment for their decision, but no reply has been received so far. Messrs. Burns Philp are stated to be desirous of appeal ing against the finding, and may ask for a new inquiry, Mr. Basil W. Hill, barrister, of Wau, New Guinea, arrived in Sydney on holi days by the Macdhui on April 9.
Brigadier General W. Ramsay McNicoll, Administrator of New Guinea, accom panied by Mr. H. H. Page, Government Secretary, made a comprehensive tour of the Morobe goldfields area in April.