4.
24
and probably the ultimate destruction of the vessel as
opposed to damage estimated to be inside twenty dollars.
The means of egress from the vessel as she lay at the
wharf were sufficient to meet all reasonable contingencies,
and the only criticism we have to offer in this respect is
the fact that a very inadequate gangplank was in use at
(forward cargo port. A gangaway was in position from the port the port and also one from the upper deck amidsnips. after
cargo port
We also note that the port stairway, the forward stairway and
the after stairway were readily accessible at all times, and
if greater use had been made of them we feel that fewer lives
would have been lost for due to the state of the tide (L.W.
6.44 p.m.) it would have been comparatively easy to have
escaped to the wharf from the upper deck.
We fully recognise the fact that no arrangement of
gangways can possibly cope with circumstances where passen-
gers attempt to carry their heavy baggage on shore and in
some cases endeavour to return on board to collect it.
There is insufficient evidence to show what actually
started the fire, but the undoubted presence of large quan-
tities of potassium chlorate in personal baggage must be
accepted as the primary cause. We admit the evidence of the
Government Chemist that this substance is dangerous in itself
and also when in contact with other substances, and in such
circumstances would probably inflame organic matterwhile
the potassium chlorate itself would decompose forming a white
smoke which was referred to by a large majority of the wit-
nesses. We cannot set aside the possibility of mineral acids
also being contained in passengers' baggage, and where
potassium chlorate is concerned the presence of such acids
would be sufficient to start a fire.
We are aware that under the provisions of Section 15 of
the Merchant Shipping Ordinance of Hongkong, Number 10 ɗ
1899, and again under Section 446 or the United Kingdom Mer-
chant Shipping Act of 1894, it is an offence for any person
to carry, or attempt to carry, in any vessel any dangerous