MR. ELLIOT MOSS.

Geelong Advertiser, 6 May, 1912.

KOOMBANA INQUIRY.

Fremantle, Sunday.--The Court of

Marine Inquiry investigating the loss of

the steamer Koombana sat yesterday.

Mr. Elliott Moss, K.C., who appeared

for the Adelaide Steamship Company,

addressed the court. The vessel had

her loading of 1671 tons well distributed, 

a fact which had been well proved.

The evidence showed that she was in

good trim, and the propeller, was sub-

merged. The almost superhuman efforts

made by the Government in the search

for the missing vessel were deserving of

the greatest commendation. He did

not know what the finding would be,

but he suggested that the Koombana

a steamer of the highest class and of

proved stability, encountered a hurricane 

of phenomenal violence, of which

no warning was given in a dangerous

position, and she was totally lost. The

Admiralty said no reliance was to be

placed on the chart, and in the circum

stances it was impossible to say what

caused the loss of the vessel.

Further proceedings were adjourned

till Monday next, when it is possible

that the finding of the court will be

made public.

Mr. Moss successfully defended the honour and pocket of the Adelaide Steamship Company. He steamrollered his way through the Inquiry, defying red-flag evidence and loudly proclaiming, 'loading well distributed'; 'good trim'; 'propeller submerged'; 'encountered cyclone of phenomenal violence'; 'no warning given'; 'dangerous position'; 'impossible to say what caused the loss of the vessel'. 

It was an Inquiry with an outcome foretold in favour of the Adelaide Steamship Company. Mr. Moss had succeeded.

Except for one little detail: The State service was about to displace and ultimately kick the Adelaide Steamship Company off the Nor'West trade.