The Board of Trade inquiry into the loss of the steamer Chusan at Ardrossan was resumed on 9th Nov. A portion of the day was spent in the examination of Mr. Pearce, one of the partners of the firm of John Elier and Ca., Glasgow, the builders of the unfortunate vessel. Mr. Pearce stated that the vessel was not intended for seaveing purposes, ducted so as to make fectly safe to gotoChina. His obit on this point was strengthened by the fact that the vessel came through the storm without showing any signs of weakness or ing any water. The Board of Trade or gave it as his opinion that the Chusan was unfit for the voyage to Chin: the fall of the year, and that she broke up on the rock in consequence: of a deficiency in deck strength. From other evidence it appeared that a telegram was despatched at Whterford from Captain Johnston to Messrs. Baring Brothers, London, which was as follows Steamer too weak. Do not consuler it safe to proceed. Shall I return to Glasgow? Have written. Wire reply. Ship making water in seaway." Baring Brothers subsequently wrote Captain Johnston as follows:—'* We have received your letter of 12th inst,, and also letters from Uaptain King and Mr." De Courcey' May, and we have telegraphed the substance of your communi tion to Mr. Cunningham, Boston, from whom iwo shall doubtless hear in due course. As captain of the steamer and representative of the owners' interests, you should know best what to do, but we shoald think that it will be best to stay where you are for the present." The telegram and letters were put into Court. The inquiry was concluded on the 10th. The Court unanimously decided that the loss was in no way attributable to the conduct of the ship's officers, whose certificates they accordingly returned.—L. &: O. Express.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.