COOK STRAIT INCIDENT

Evening Star, Issue 19803, 29 February 1928, Page 5

COOK STRAIT INCIDENT

NEVER ANY DANGER-NO RACE EVIDENCE OF DISRATED MASTERS [Pee United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 29. The nautical inquiry into the navigation incident in Cook Strait on February 3 opened before Mr Riddell, S.M., this morning. The vessels concerned were tho Sydney-bound Maunganui (Captain A. H. Davies) and the Picton ferry steamer Tamahine (Captain J. E. M'Clellan). Both officers were disrated by the Union Company. Mr J. Prendeville, for the Marine Department, said that on receipt of reports that there had been a close shave between the vessels, he bad asked for reports from the captains and the company before the inquiry. The inquiry was not held because ot the publication in the local paper. Mr C. A. L. Treadwell, for Captain Davies, said that owing to the amount of unfair comment made, he would ask leave to address the court alter the evidence. This was granted.

In the box Captain Davies said that the full speed of tho Maunganui was fifteen and a-half knots to sixteen knots. They left the berthage at 3.3 p.m., and saw the Tamahine behind them at tho entrance to the harbor. At Barrett’s Kccf, near tlio entrance, the Tamahine was three lengths behind the Maunganui, which was then going full speed. The Tamahine was overtaking the ship. The Maunganui did not give the signal that she was about to change course, as it was not necessary. The Tamahine was well dear, and was no way in danger. It was not' the custom of the leading vessel to give an indication of change ot course. r f he vessels closed in, but in Iris opinion there was no danger at any time, and ho did not deem it necessary to give a signal. Continuing, Captain Davies said that in his opinion the Tamahine was never closer than 250 ft to 300 ft away. He had not deviated from the usual course of the Sydney run; there was certainly tho natural desire which occurs whenever two vessels arc together to compete, but on this occasion he had one boiler out of lour out ol action. His only order to the engine room had been full spead ahead after leaving the wharf, and this was not altered until Sydney was reached. \\ hen the Tamahino sounded three blasts she swung behind tho Maunganui and went on her course ior Tory Channel, there never was any danger. He had been in command of vessels lor over seventeen years. The vessels were going at about the same speed, and the Tamahino never at any time overhauled vitness’s boat. He was perleetly satisfied that any manoeuvre he performed did not embarrass the Tamahine’s master. To Mr Kirkcaldie (for Captain M'Clellan) Davies said that the Picton course was inside his, and M'Clellan had not deviated from his usual course. M'Clellan had in going astern adopted the usual procedure in order to get on to his course.

The matter was mentioned casually by three or four passengers, who seemed to think a race was on, hut there wms no such thing as a race, and no excitement aboard his vessel. None of the passengers had thought lit to mention it to the reporters who had come aboard at Sydney.

Captain M‘Clellan said that he leit the wharf at 3.10, and gave the lull speed at 3.12. The Maunganui was then three cables ahead of him. His average speed that day was 17.3 knots. He thought the Maunganui might give warning on changing her course, but watched the front ship closely. When lie saw the Maunganui swing in he gave the orders “hard a p.ort,” and then “full astern.” There was always plenty of room. When the full astern order was given to get on the course as quickly as possible, and in order not to run any risks, three blasts were given by the chief officer. This was a procedure always adopted on a vessel when going astern, lie had held a master’s certificate for ten years, and had been on the trip eight months. A comparison of the Jogs show no difference in this trip than on any other trip. He understood that the Union Company, in order that similar circumstances should not again occur, had altered the time-table. His ship was always under perfect conrto), and was never in danger at any time. Captain M'Glcllan thought that any time fho engines were put astern passengers were always alarmed, even coming alongside the wharf. When a vessel was sent astern she vibrated, and some passengers might have become agitated because the Maunganui was a bigger vessel. She was never nearer than the Tamahino’s length, which was 27oft from the Maunganui. He had known similar instances with cargo vessels, but in this case some fuss had been made by people witli no technical knowledge. Mr Riddle, S.M.: Jf yon had continued a parallel course at slow speed would not the Maunganui have drawn ahead P

Witness: Yes, but that would have taken me off my course. Mr Riddell: Not far, only a few minutes.

Witness: I had a double trip that day, and minutes counted. Mr Riddell: You were getting boxed in. i Witness: No; I had a mile inside to Karori Rock. Mr Riddell: Did going astern bring you nearer the Maunganui ! J Witness; No. Francis John Gallon, chief officer of the Tamahine, corroborated the evidence of Captain M'Clellaii, When going astern he suggested to Captain M'Clellan that they give three blasts, and he' understood the captain to reply “ Yes.” There was no attempt at racing that he knew of, and never any danger. When she commenced to go astern the Tamahine was about I,oooft away.

Donald M'Bean, second engineer of the Tamahine, said that, except for special orders, the usual speed was maintained throughout the trip. They wont astern for a quarter of a minute, having the effect of a momentary pause. Norman Joseph Gilpen, chief officer of the Maunganui, stated that after turning slightly to port, he remarked to Captain Davcy that the Tamahine appeared to be closing on them, but never at any time was there any danger of a collision. The Tamahine was her own length away when she passed under the stern of the Maunganui. She was never closer.