JOHN MCKENZIE, examined by Mr. Smyth, said: I am a Marine Surveyor, and I have been a Master Mariner. I have had twenty-one years’ experience at sea, and have been thirteen years as captain to almost every part of the globe. Since the year 1870, I have been a Marine Surveyor. I have also had a good deal of experience in shipbuilding, and was for two years Shipwright Surveyor for the Underwriters’ Association. I knew the _Alert_, and first became acquainted with her thirteen years ago. I officially surveyed the vessel in one of the dry docks in Melbourne. I was then Surveyor to the Lloyd’s Associated. Captain Webb, now the managing Director of Huddart, Parker & Co., was in command of the ship at that time. I was seeing if she was in good condition and fit for risk for insurance. I did not see Captain Webb on that occasion. I found some rivets defective in the after keel of the vessel. They were not done on that occasion. Captain Webb called at our office the day after, and wished to know if I would allow the vessel to run another six mouths before completing the repairs I had asked for. He told me she was only intended for the Geelong trade. I have been on board the _Alert_ a good many times since. I remember when the last repairs to the engines were made. On several occasions I was there while they were going on. I saw the work being done. The alterations that were made would, in my opinion, not alter the trim of the ship. They were very powerful engines for such a small vessel. I have been on her several trips to Geelong. In those days she sat very much by the stern, and did not show much freeboard.