WATERSIDE ACCIDENTS COMMISSION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 204, 17 May 1918, Page 6

WATERSIDE ACCIDENTS COMMISSION

EVIDENCE AS TO INSPECTION. OP GEAR. . By Toleffraph—Press Association. Auckland, May 16. The Commission of Inquiry into waterside accidents concluded its sittings today. Further evidence o£ workers regarding conditions was given, and then officials were examined. Captain lies, wharfinger l'or the Union Company, 6aid ho knew of no case of victimisation for reporting defective gear. '' It was tho duty of an officer, on reaching port to inspect the gear before cargo was worked. Other witnesses also denied the allegation of victimisation. Inspectors examined Homo and coastal boats and also had a right to inspect tho gear onforeign ships. Harold Sergeant, harbourmaster, stated that at one time the Harbour Board appointed an inspector of gear, but owing to overlapping with tho Marino Department, which appointed surveyors, the board's inspector was withdrawn. The inspection on ships, hulks, and shore should be under ono control. The Union Company's wharfinger, Captain lies, agreed that nets for hatchways and safety nets would minimise accidents. -~.

The representatives of various companies stated that gear was frequently examined and all found to be defective was replaced immediately. Samuel Dalrymple, inspector of machinery under the Department, said that fill gear on hulke and ships was inspected once a year, and a further examination was made if defects were reported. He always viewed overhead " The Commission resumes at Wellington on Wednesday.