THE TAKAPUNA INQUIRY.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 27 March 1901, Page 3

THE TAKAPUNA INQUIRY.

(per press association.)

Nelson, March 26.

A nautical inquiry was hold to-day before Mr Robinson, S.M., and Captains Wheeler and Whitwcll, relative to the grounding of the s.s. Takapuna, near the French Bass, on the night of the 11th of February. Captain Grant in his evidence said the crew was new to him. The man at the wheel in reply to a question said ho had steered through the Pass before. He gave the correct course, but the vessel begining to swing he ordered the helmsman to meet her. Finding that the vessel did not answer, he ordered the holm hard over, The orders were not carried out with quite as much promtitudo as ho could have wished owing to want of experience on the part of the helmsman. A few seconds after his last order was given the steamer took the ground. There was no shock,

A lot of evidence Was taken and eventually the Court said that it was their opinion that all reasonable care was exorcised by the master and the affair was a pure accident and no blame wes attachable to fho master, officers or crew. The Court was very strongly of opinion that a new survey should be made of the middle bank. The chart showed the note “ still extending. ” and the survey was made in ISM and thought that alterations had been noted up to 1880. The Assessors who were practical men, and had often came through the Pass, were very strongly of the opinion that a now survey should bo made. No order was made as to costs.