WASH FROM STEAMERS

Evening Star, Issue 22453, 25 September 1936, Page 1

WASH FROM STEAMERS

DANGER ON HARBDURSIDE LIABILITY DISCLAIMED BY BOARD “ That steps be taken to draw the attention of the public generally and of boat owners in particular, especially those on’ the western side of the harbour, to the necessity of _ taking adequate steps to protect their craft from the wash of passing • vessels, as the board can recognise no liability,” was a resolution carried by the Otago Harbour Board last night. The Standing Committee reported that it had received a letter from the Ravensbourne Boating Club complaining of the damage to their slipway unused by the excessive speed at which they consider the Canberra Maru proceeded down the harbour on September 1. The committee recommended that the Boating Club be replied to in terms of the harbour master’s report, and advised that the board had no liability in regard to the matter. Mr D. Copland said the board required to bring down a by-law, as many complaints of damage had been made. Often ships had to be rushed to Port Chalmers to clear the channel so as to give other vessels the advantage of the incoming tide. It would not bo policy to hold up shipping because’ a few small boats were located at the side of the harbour. The Canberra Maru had a top speed of 21 knots, and its slowest speed was from 10 to 12 knots. The ship had left the wharf like a ferry teamer. A suggestion was made that the boat sheds should be built 3ft above highwater mark, but the chairman (Mr J. B. Waters) said the position was not as simple as the board thought. Many of the boat sheds Were on railway, not harbour, land, and it was therefore difficult for the hoard to set down hard and fast conditions. However, a general warning should he issued to all boat owners on the lines suggested by the harbour master. , Mr Copland: Those people do not realise the difficulties of shipping. Remarking “ Least said, soonest mended,” Mr D. 'F. H. Sharpe said that ships of a light draught would go ashore immediately in bad weather if their speed were low. The boat owners knew the position. Mr 11. Duncan said the factor of the danger of life to children who might be caught in the backwash should be emphasised in the letter to the head masters of the schools.