D 16
(5) On the 29th November, 1916, enquiry was held into the fire on board the S.S. Polavon, Official No. 136,811 of London.
The Court found as follows:-
We find that on the 2nd November, 1916, the British S.S. Polavon, Official No. 136,811 of London, was lying alongside the wharf of the Hongkong & Whampoa Dock, Kowloon, for repairs.
A fire broke out on board this ship at about 8 a.m. on the 2nd November, 1916.
We are of the opinion that the fire started in the engine room at the fan engine casing and ignited gases given off by the kerosene from the tank at the fore end of the store room.
We find that through the conflicting and unsatisfactory nature of the evidence, it is impossible to form any definite conclusion as to the actual cause of the fire.
The Court, however, is satisfied that the fire was not caused by either spontaneous combustion or an explosion mechanically produced.
We also wish to add that there was no evidence of arson.
9.-Examination of Masters, Mates, and Engineers.
(Under Board of Trade Regulations.)
23. The following Tables show the number of Candidates examined under Ordinance 10 of 1899 for Certificates of Competency, distinguishing those who passed from those who failed :
Grade Passed Failed Master, 16 3 Master, River Steamer, 1 First Mate, 16 8 Second Mate, 19 13 Mate, River Steamer, 3 2 Voluntary Examination in steam for Master or Mate, 1 Total, 56 26 First Class Engineer, 10 6 Second Class Engineer, 41 14 Total, 51 20