THE NAVIGATION “INCIDENT”

Evening Star, Issue 19805, 2 March 1928, Page 6

THE NAVIGATION “INCIDENT”

MAUNGANUKIMAHINE INCIDENT

PASSENGERS' EVIDENCE AT VARIANCE

[Pea United Press Association.]

WELLINGTON, March 2

In the nautical inquiry into the Cook Strait navigation incident of February in which it is alleged that the Maunganui and Tamahino had approached each other so close as to endanger both vessels, Dir Sievwright, on behalf of the chief officer of the Tamahine (Mr Callaghan), denied that a, statement bad been drawn up by him. He merely took tho names of tho passengers who would he available to give evidence if necessary.

Robert M’Alistcr, solicitor, -said he had travelled frequently with the Tamahine. When the Tamahino was near Sinclair Hoad ho saw the Mannganni draw in slightly towards her, and shortly afterwards she seemed to make a sharper turn to starboard, and to swing as if she were heading for the shore across the Tamahine’s bows. The vessels wore so close that there was considerable excitement on the Tamabine.

J. T. Moore, another passenger on tho Tamahine, considered that the vessels were never closer than seventy-five yards. W. H. P. Barber considered the incident nothing more than an interesting event without any danger.’ He took the signals from the Tamahine as a sailor’s farewell.

Roy Temple, publisher, stated that at one time no more than 40ft tvere between the steamers. Ho was on the Tamahine, and got np a statement which was signed by some other passengers and forwarded to the ‘ Dominion ’ newspaper.

Alexander Thompson, a passenger on the Tamahine, also estimated the distance at 40ft.

Sydney Bryden, a Tamahinc passenger, stated that the Maunganui took a decided sweep, and a fellow-passenger remarked: “We will be lucky to miss her.” For the space of a few seconds it looked nothing surer than that a collision would occur. From where he was standing the closest the vessels were apart was 35ft to 40ft. The passengers on the Tamahino were excited, and the voices of passengers on the Maunganui were plainly heard. Had the captain of the Tamahino not acted quickly there would have been a collision. This closed the evidence and counsel proceeded to review it. The court afterwards adjourned til! Monday.