British Wreck Commissioner's Inquiry
Day 27
Testimony of John A. Fairfull
Examined by Mr. BUTLER ASPINALL.
25269. Are you a retired Master mariner?
- Yes.
25270. For 21 years were you sailing in command of Allan Line steamships across the Atlantic?
- Yes.
25271. Have you heard the evidence of the last two gentlemen?
- I have.
25272. Is your practice in accordance with theirs?
- All except that when we get to the ice track in an Allan steamer, besides having a look-out in the crow's-nest, we put a man on the stem head at night.
25273. (The Commissioner.) I do not hear what you are saying.
The Witness:
Besides having a look-out in the crow's-nest in crossing the ice track, I put a man on the stem head at night.
25274. Whether it is clear or not?
- Yes.
The Commissioner:
Mr. Aspinall, is the next one going to say something different?
Mr. Butler Aspinall:
No, My Lord, as far as I know.
Examined by Sir ROBERT FINLAY.
25275. Were you crossing the Atlantic on the 14th of April?
- We were.
25276. In what vessel?
- In the "Tunisian."
25277. Did you get a message about ice?
- Yes. I am not very sure. I could not remember whether we got a report from any other ships, but after we got clear of the ice our report was made out and given to the operators, and he gave it to every ship with which he got into communication.
25278. Do you remember a message from the "Canada," or sent by you to the "Canada"?
- I know the communication with the "Canada," Sir Robert, but I could not tell you what the message was.
25279. What time was it that you had communications with the "Canada"? It was some time in the morning if I remember rightly?
- I would refer to what Captain Jones said in his evidence at page 664, if your Lordship will kindly look at it.
The Commissioner:
Yes. He said, "On the 9th I had a message from the 'Tunisian,'" Then he produces it. [23602]
25280. (Sir Robert Finlay.) Yes, My Lord. (To the witness.) Were you bound West?
- Bound East.
25281. Did you send a wireless message to the "Canada"?
- I believe so.
25282. You do not recollect it?
- No, I cannot recollect it. I believe we did.
The Commissioner:
Then it comes to nothing.
Sir Robert Finlay:
It comes to nothing.
(The witness withdrew.)
