Page 116 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 23 - 26

24063. Or whether it is the usual thing to do? - It is not compulsory; in some cases it is done and in others not. Examined by Mr. CLEMENT EDWARDS. 24064. You spoke of making a calculation. Did you make any actual test, or see any actual physical test made of the strength of these boats? - I did not. As I explained a few moments ago, my inspection did not extend beyond the period during which the boats were constructed in the shop. 24065. Were you, for the purposes of the “Titanic,” the responsible Surveyor for seeing that these boats were sufficient? - I was not. 24066. Who was? - The Surveyor that issued the declaration. 24067. (The Commissioner.) Then what was your duty? - I had special instructions from the Board of Trade to take care and watch the construction of boats being built in our district for use on ships. 24068. And what was the duty of the other gentleman you told us of? - To measure the capacity of the boats and of the air cases, see the equipment is in order and issue a certificate to that effect. Examined by Mr. HARBINSON. 24069. Was it you who measured the capacity of the boats? - I measured them simply for the purpose of my strength calculation. 24070. Can you explain to me the discrepancy in the numbers given in the two appendices? - I am unable to do that. I was not responsible for that. The Commissioner: That has been explained; it is said to have been some clerical error. Mr. Harbinson: That is between 1,167 and 1,178. (The Witness withdrew.) ALFRED PEACOCK, Sworn. Examined by Mr. BUTLER ASPINALL. 24071. Are you an engineer and ship Surveyor at the Board of Trade? - Yes. 24072. Are you stationed at Glasgow? - Yes. 24073. And were you stationed at Glasgow during the building of the “Titanic”? - Yes. 24074. And was it your business to survey the four Englehardt boats which were fitted to the ship later? - Yes. 24075. Did you survey them? - I did. 24076. And did you put one in the water? - I did so. 24077. And were they good and efficient boats? - They are good and efficient boats. 24078. How many people would the boats, in fact, carry? - They would carry 47. Examined by Mr. COTTER. 24079. Would you think the roof of one of those houses the right place to put an Englehardt boat? 24080. (The Commissioner.) Do you know anything about where boats are placed on the deck? - Not