MARINE MISHAPS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1979, 9 February 1914, Page 5

MARINE MISHAPS.

Sir,—Within the last twelve months there have occurred on our coast three marine disasters of cunsiderablo -importance. The Indrabarah narrowly escapted becoming a total loss, and the Devon and tho Tyrone were completely lost. In each case the mishap might have been avoided had there been in charge a certificated pilot, with an intimate local knowledge of the coast. From time to time mishaps have occurred on our coast', but with the exception of a few cases tho Home steamers have, as .a rule, managed to get along somehow without' pilots. But it has been at considerable cost, both' directIt and indirectly. ; Tho time which is lost in navigating a difficult coast by a : stranger means a considerable ' increase in the working expenses-of the ship; and this could be easily and cheaply obviated by the employment of a pilot. Tho pilot's salary for a round trip of New Zealand would be one of tho most paying investments ever made by a shipping company. But altogether apart from the monetary, aspect of the question, it must also be looked at as a matter of public safety. The men of tho Devon and the Tyrone were only rescued with great difficulty; and it was extremely fortunate that no loss of life occurred. But this is 110 guarantee that, similar mishaps in the future will be attended by equally fortunate results. Our coast is undoubtedly a dangerous one; in fact, one of tho most dangerous in the world, and is extremely difficult to work for one not accustomed to it. Thus it is of a matter which is worthy of earnest consideration that I am writing, olid one which I hope will receive, the attention of those upon whom depend the safety ; and welfare of'.those'engaged in One of tha arduous ways of earning a livelihood. The dangers of those who "go down to,the sea in ships" are surely numerous enough, and any effort mado towards lessening _ the number of their perils, should receive support. Hoping that you may find space for this,—l ani, etc., - - ■' ONLOOKER. February 3, 1914. •