COLLISION IN GISBORNE ROADSTEAD

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 212, 2 June 1921, Page 4

COLLISION IN GISBORNE ROADSTEAD

UNUSUAL AND ABNORMAL WEATHER ' CONDITIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, June 1

A Nautical inquiry was held here today in connection with, the collision in Gisborne roadstead, of the steamers Admiral Codrington and Whakutane. The Court comprised Mr. Cutton, S.M., and Captains Reed and Adamson (assessors). Mr. Mays represented the Marine Department, Mr. Richmond appeared for Captain Davies, 'Mr. Myers for tho New Zealand Shipping Company, and Mr. M A aywatched proceedings for the Admiral Codrington, the owners oi which were not cited. Mr. Mays put in the evidence at the preliminary inquiry. Ho said it was admitted that everything possible was done by the masters of the two vessels to avert the collision. The question was whether the AVliakatane anchored too close to the Admiral Codrington, and whether the Whakatane should have had more than one anchor down. This it appeared, was by the advice of the harbourmaster. so that the cable could be easily slipped, if necessary.. There was also the question whether sixty fathoms of chain was sufficient to allow on the anchor. , , The Court found that unusual and abnormal weather conditions wore the cause of the accident, and that R was nod. duo to, or in any way contributed to, by the negligence or default of any person. t