BLENHEIM.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3030, 12 March 1881, Page 3

BLENHEIM.

March 12

At the enquiry into the stranding of the steamer Mohaka, Captain Symons, the master of the steamer, deposed that it was his practice to be in charge when surf was heard. He had no lead line on board, only a long pole to sound the bars with. On this occasion tbe mate did not call him as usual when the surf was heard. The Mohaka was the first vessel on which Eckford, the mate, had been officer. Witness had always found him a careful and sober man. Thomas Eckford deposed that he held a mate's certificate granted by the Marine Department in January last. He had made twelve or thirteen trips between Blenheim and Wellington. The steward was a wharf hand at Wellington engaged for the voyage. The captain being ill witness expected the steward to steer the vessel till four o'clock, when he estimated they would be eight miles off the bar. The steward had told witness that he had been over in the Lyttelton before. The noiee of the engines would prevent surf from being heard, but it might be seen a quarter of a mile off on a clear night. The steward and the seaman at the wheel, when the Mohaka ran ashore, gave evi- [ dence. Tbe other witnesses were Clark, ■ tbe fireman, cmd Murray, tbe engineer*

After a short retirement the Court decided to return Captain Symons his certificate, and that Eckfurd's be suspended during the Governor's pleasure.