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PAGE TWO THE OSHAWA DAILY TIMES, MANASO0 TRAGEDY STILL A MYSTERY Inquiry is Adjourned Until October 18 After a Four Hour Session Owen Sound, Sept. 28.--Follow- ing a four-hour session tomight Coroner A. B. Rutherford adjourn- ed until October 18 the inquest in- to the death of Dougal McLean, fireman on the ill-fated Manasoo, which founderéd and sank in Geor- glan Bay during a fierce storm on 'September 15, when 15 of the crew and one passenger were drowned. This adjournment was arranged to enable the Dominion Wreck Commissioner to complete his investigation, which opens here ext week. . ' Before any evidence was called tonight Crown Attorney Dyre ven- tured the opinion that inquests were too often conducted taken place on the Great Lakes this ranks among the worst," he said. Fair and Fearless Probe He asked that the inquest be - mot hurried and, declaring that the eyes of the country were upon the jury, he insisted that the whole circumstances be inquired into re- gardless of the expense involved. "We must have a full, fair and absolutely fearless inquiry into this whole matter," he sald. The Coroner spoke in the same strain and issued an invitation for any one to give evidence on any point, as the inquiry went deeper than the death of McLean. Among the witnesses . tonight , were the Captain, first mate and purser of the Manasoo. None of them could glve any reason for the cause of the disas- ter, despite repeated and searching questioning. Danger Seem Too Late It came out that the ship car- ried little or no ballast. Accord- ing to the Captain, "evervthing was over in ten minutes" from the time the ship hegan to list, The fiest officer doubts that a wireless equipment would have saved the lives of the crew, on the ground that danger was not apparent un- til the Manasoo went over on: her side, He, hawever, helieved the lives of more than the five survivors could havé been saved if a keeper had been stationed at the light- house on Griffith's Island, Finding of Body Willlam Fox, the first witness, testified that he found deceased's body on September 19 on the Geor- gian Bay shore, It was fully cloth- ed, excepting a cap, A life-presery- er was around McLean's neck, The Coroner here interposed and sald that when he reached the spot where the body was found it was fun a somewhat perfunctory manner. "Of the many sad fatalities that have RR departure on her last trip and was intimately acquainted with Me- Lean. "Death was undoubtedly due either to drowning or expos- ure in the water following the dis- aster," the Coromer stated. "The appearance was that of death from drowning. There were no marks of viol only abrasi on the face, caused by the body lying face down in the water along the stony shore." Purser Testifies Arthur Middlebro, purser of the ill-fated vessel, one of tele res. coed on the raft, stated he had made 15 trips on the Manasoo and nothing unusual had previously o¢- curred. On the fatal trip 114 cat- tle were taken on at West Bay, but there was very little freight be- sides, Middlebro could not say if there was ballast in the hold. The wea- ther was favorable when they left Manitowaning, he said, Witness had seen the deceased about ten minutes before the vessel listed. He afterward saw him struggling in the water and yelling. McLean had told him previously that he could not swim, Middlebro declared, Witness, who gave his evidence under apparent emotion, told of waking up early in the morning to find the boat listing. He went out and ascertained that the windows were apparently closed. Then he proceeded to the wheel house, ana after listing again the boat took a bad lunge on the port side, Middlebro, continuing, told of sitting on the starboard side ready to jump if the boat sank. The ship went down by the stern, Turmroil prevailed aboard her in the last minutes she was afloat. Lifeboat Seen "I did not want to get off until 1 was sure she was going to sink, and T did not want to stay on if she was going to sink," he explain- ed. Witness saw about a dozen men on deck when the ship went over, Later he saw one lifeboat upside down and afloat. "There appeared to be one person on it," he said. He also saw four or five men in the water, The raft was on the roof of the observation room behind the wheel house with three persons on it when it floated off. There was no wireless equipment on the vessel. '"Have you any reasonable ex- planation as to what happened why the boat listed and went down?" asked the Crown Attorney. "lI do not know," was the ans- wer, Middlebro said he never saw any lifeboat drill on the Manasoo, Inspected in Spring Roy Brigham, general contrac- tor, Owen Sound, the next witness, had completely rebuilt the Mana- 800 when it was taken over by the Owen Sound Transportation Com- pany from the Canada Steamship Lines and adapted for freight, Staterooms and cabins had been built in on the open deck. Witness sald he was present at ' REDROSE TEA isgood ted Red Rose Orange Pekoe . » In clean, br ~Top Quality ight Aluminum City of Oshawa=Taxes An extension of time for instalment of the 1928 taxes has been made to Friday, October 12th, After that the payment of the second date, the penalty of 5 per cent. will positively be enforced, and steps taken to collect all taxes outstanding. P, A, BLACKBURN, City Treasurer, 0; COAL COKE Waterous-Meek, Limited Oshawa Agents for STANDARD BRICK WOOD positively identitied by Harold [the drydock inspection im the Chambers, who had been on the spring and a thorough inspection Manasoo five minutes prior to hea appeared to have been made, James Nichol, Superintendent of Owen Sound Iron Works, who installed steel doors im the lower half of the aft gangways for water- tight purposes, said these were stronger than the bulwarks. Testifying regarding some cattle loaded at West Bay, Roy Turner said these were placed forward and all on one side. The average weight of 38 or 39 was 1,170 pounds. The cattle in the front of the ship were barred from passing to the rear. No Wireless, Says Captain Captain John McKay, of short stature and ruddy countenance, stated that the Manasoo was sea- worthy and not given to listing or rolling. She had braved all wea- thers. She left Owen Sound light on September 13, with only a few empty drums. "Had you any wireless?" "No." : Twelve cattle were taken on at West Bay and 104 at Manitowan- ing. The Manasbo left the latter place at 5.30 on September 14 In calmy weather for Owen Sound with 46 cattle in the rear and the re- mainder in the fronmt. Captain McKay declared that the gangways were all fastened when they left ' Manitowaning. There was no rule as to the number of carloads of cattle to be carried on the main deck. Witness agreed that the listing of the boat would cause confusion among the cattle and this would accentuate the listing. On the fateful day the wind was south- east, but there was no indication of danger, . The Captain said he was not on watch when the boat listed.. He was on the bridge with the first and second mates and the wheels. man, The trouble began at 2.30 a.m. on September 15, about 18 miles from Owen Sound. "What really happened?" "I could not tell you." Captain McKay said only ten minutes elapsed from the time he observed anything wrong until the Manasoo went over on her side. He had tried to straighten her and had sent some one below to Inves- tigate, but before he could report it was too late. aster?" the Crown Attorney pursu- ed. 'If you know anything, please tell us." "I do not know," the Captain re- plied. He had not the silghtest idea how that water got into the ship, he asserted. "Are there any life-saving sta- tions on the Canadian side of our upper lakes?" "I never heard of any." If there had heen a keeper at the lighthouse on Griffith's Island some of the swimmers might have been saved, the witness believed. No Boat Drill "Did you have any boat drill on the steamer?" "No." "Did you make any effort to warn the others aboard?" "There was no time." e "Is it true that the life-helts were not much good?' the Captain was asked, "They passed Inspection." Osborne Long, first officer of the Manasoo, described the vessel as very steady in comparison with many others on which he had sail- ed. He superintended the loading of eattle at West Bay and Mani- towaning, but could not state thelr weight. Witness said the ship had not a capacity load, "Do you say that boat safely carry 237 tons?" "Yes." could would have heen of service, Long replied: *I don't know that it would, We never really thought we were in any danger until she went over on her side." He could not say If any one went down in the ship, he said. He did not notice the two cooks, but he believed the rest of the crew came on deck or were called, While on the raft, witness heard McLean shouting in the water, He feslared he had not the slightest 8 what caused the b down as she did, 9at 10 49 HARMONY, Harmony, Sept. 29--Mrs, Fice of North Oshawa is oe (Sr) week with Mr. and Mrs, Roy Terwil- legar, ; Mrs. Roy Kellett and Master Gor- Lon Spent the Wetk-end at Pontypool ackwater and Lindsay, w r attended the Fair, Ts WHEE chie Miss M. Cockburn of Colborne is visiting her sister, Mrs. N, Hind. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Lyons have moved to their new home at North Oshawa. We are sorry to lose them from our vicinity, Mr. and Mrs. J. Johnson spent Saturday in Toronto at the W. ine races, 5 Mrs, Chas Mackie, Master Stewart Mackie, Miss Furrell, Miss Beatrice Morris and Mr. Harold Mackie at- 16nded the Lindsay Fair on Satur- ay. "What was the cause of the dis- Did you say your car needed fix- ing? n't forget that Sugden & Bowen can attend to it. Mr, A. Lane spent a few days of last week at Windsor. Mr, and Mrs, A, Hicks and Master Bobby, Mr. and Mrs. Chas Sopher spent Sunday at Peterboro. Mr, and Mrs, L, Hogarth and Miss Dorothy Hogarth, Mr. and Mrs. A Lott spent Sunday at Little Briton. Mr. and Mrs, Lester Pratt of Woodville, New York, spent the week end with Mr, and Mrs, N. Wagar. . Master Grant Allan of Thornton's Corners is visiting his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs, Thomas Oke. Mrs. F. Danzey and sons, of the city visited with Mr, and Mrs. H. Willson on Friday. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1928 -- N, Wagar who celebrated their silver wi last S The Trail Rangers Club under the leadership of Mr. P. I. Timmins, met Wednesday night in the school at seven o'clock, Officers for the year were elected. Games were played and the boys emjoyed another social evening together again. The officers elected were: Chief Ranger, Roy Fleming; Sub. Chief Ranger, Donald Hern; Tally, Stewart Mackie; Cache, Gerald Peterson; Mr. P. I. Timmins, Mentor, The membership of the camp at present is eleven, he Home and School Club held their first regular monthly meeting of the fall season on Thursday night at 8 o'clock, Mrs. Hern, president, presiding. After the usual business of reports were handled, it was de- cided to hold a social evening for the children and adults next meeting night, October 25. Also to have a hot supper on Hallowe'en, October 31, At the close of the business there was community singing. The singing of the National Anthem closed the meeting after which refreshments were served, 1 Great sorrow was felt at the Seventh Day Academy and surround- ing territory when the message was received of the death of Mrs. Cecil Marsden on Thursday. She had un- derwent an operation in the Oshawa General Hospital Thursday, which proved too much for her heart. She had been matron for some time at the academy but had resiguea ber duties this fall, During her time of service there she had gained many friends and was loved hy all of the pupils. She was married in the chapel there a little over onc year ago. The funeral will be held from the chapel vi the Academy on Saturday aiter- noon, Elder C. F. McVagh conduct- ing the services. Mrs, Marsden came from New Foundland where. at the present time her mother, Mrs. Man- uel lies critically ill having recently undergone a. very serious operation. Mrs. Chas. Mackie and Messrs. A Harold and Stewart Mackie are spending today in Toronto. Mr. K. Fletcher attended the 136 Regiment banquet in Bowmanville today. Rally Ray Service will be held at the Sunday School, Sunday afternoon from 2 to 3 o'clock, standard time. Special music and program will be rendered. Mr A. S. Tonkin, will speak a few words. Everyone is cor- dially invited to attend. Come and bring a friend. Don't Forget the Standard time 2 to 3 o'clock. On Friday evening about thirty five friends and acquaintances gathered at the home of Mr, and Mrs. N. Lyons at North Oshawa, to give them a house warming at their new home. The evening was spent in dancing and games, shortly after friends arrived a short address was read by Mrs. Noble and Mr. and Mrs. Lyons was presented with a lovely electric fix- ture by her sister Miss Verna Fice on behalf of those present. Although taken greatly by surprise Mr. and Mrs. Lyons responded appropriately. Refreshments were served at mid- night and the merry makers departed for their homes in the early hours of the morning after spending 'a very enjovable evening and wishing Mr. and Mrs. Lyons great happiness in their new home. BLUE RIBBON IS WON BY SIR CLIFFORD SIFTON Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 28.-- Cameron, Sir Clifford Sifton's bay mare, captured the blue ribbon in Olympia class for hunters and jumpers today at the Bryn Mawr Horse Show. Second honors went to J. Brooke Parker's Melbrooke. Sir Clifford's horse made a nearly perfect performance of elght jumps, touching only one barrier, Melbrooke knocked two barriers to the ground, Important Message to Pines Winterfront Owners Y OUR Wintertront has doubtless been ed away during the summer, It needs and oiling to put it in first-class shape for the coming season, Yours will give you better service if yon have it thoroughly checked once each season, Thermostats are guaranteed. : Our facilities for doing this work are com- plete, Only a few minutes of your time are re- - quired, Come in--if you can---before you put the Winterfront on your car, OSHAWA BATTERY : ERVICE A, G. BROOMFIELD 37 King St. W, -- Phone 1184 -- Oshawa sler owners in this We urge ONTARIO News of Imporfance | DAVIDSON MOTOR CO., LTD. WHITBY, PHONE 147 Now Distribufors for and CHRYSLER Chrysler We take pleasure in announcing the appointment of the above organization to distribute Chry- sler products in this territory. Their facilities assure complete satisfaction of the needs of Chry- prospective owners and you to visit this estab- lishment and to determine for means. PLYMOUIH The new Plymouth, value leader in the lowest-priced field -- the new Chrys the Imperial "80" --the style that re-styles all motor cars--co ise line ranging fr Vie 3) i to nd ome 4 and 65" and "75" and You are invited also to make ar. Miss Orma Terwillegar spent a few days at North Oshawa with Mr, and Mrs. N. Lyons. Mr. A. Hollman met with an acci- dent on Wednesday night while at work at the Fittings ,when a barrel of castings slipped and rolled onto his foot bruising it quite badly, For- tunately it hot sell very fast herefore preven: it from crushing his foot. The ge A e are no bones broken, Jot very badly bruised. We hope Mr. Hollman will soon be able to resunie his work again. Miss Irene Oke t Friday with Mr. and Mrs. E. Allan at Thornton's Cr Roy Kell r. Roy ett is working at Til- Isbury for a few weeks. Mr. and Mrs. H. Willson and family visited with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brooks in the sity on Sunday. agh is here visiting ments for a demonstration yourself the quality, value and ge just how far ahead SE Eo of ler products. Chrysler is in performance. Chrysler Corporation of Canada, Limited, Windsor, Ontario | sTavoARD BRICK GOOD RED STOCK BRICK Telephone Grover 7247 500 Greenwood Ave, At Our Expense Toronto, Ont. - on Sunday, i tirmamnnrnr: |