MARAMA'S STRANDING

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2425, 1 April 1915, Page 6

MARAMA'S STRANDING

INQUIRY COURT CASE ADJOURNED TILL MAY A Court of Inquiry sat in Wellington yesterday afternoon to hear evidence respecting the stranding of the Union Company's steamer Marama on the coast of California, near the entrance to San Francisco Harbour on January 27. . Mr. AV. CJ. Riddell, S.M., presided, and the assessors witli him were MasterMariners J. W. Reed and C. F. Post. Mr. P. S. Macassey appeared for tho Marine Department, and Mr. E. K. Kirkcaldie for the Merchant Service Guild, •of which the master of tho Marama (Robert Crawford) is a member. It was pointed out that the master of the Marama was not present, and that he had not been served with a notice of the inquiry. The President of the Court said that tho master was the officer who was affected, and that unless he was present, or had been served, the Court would not go on with the inquiry. The whole matter would require to be adjourned until the master, was present. Mr. Macassey: He will be here in the Mokoia next Tuesday. lam instructed to apply for an adjournment till May 20, the date when tho Marama will be back hew from 'Frisco. The President: I take it that the master will be served in the meantime ? Mr. Macassey: Yes. The inquiry was then adjourned till May 20. Subpoenas issued to witnesses will hold good till that date. The questions for the Court to find answers to are:— (1) What was the cause of the stranding ? (2) Whether the stranding of and the serious damage to the ship was caused by the wrongful act or default of Robert Crawford (the master), or any of his officers?