NAUTICAL ENQUIRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 70, 26 March 1901, Page 3

NAUTICAL ENQUIRY.

CAUSE OF TAIvAFUNA GROUNDING. AN ACCIDENT—NO BLAME ATTACHED. [liy Telegraph -Press Association.] Nelson, last night. A nautical enquiry was held to-day before Mr llobinson, S.M., and Captains Wheeler and Wbitwell, relative to tho grounding of the s.s. Takapuna near tho French Bass on the night of the 11th February. Capt. Grant, In his evidence, said his crew was now to him. The man at the wheel, in reply to a question, said ho had steered through tho pass before. He gave tho correct course, but the vessel beginning to swing he ordered the helmsman to meet her. Finding the vessel did not answer, he ordered tho helm hard over. The orders wore not carried out with quite as much promptitude as ho could have wished, owing to the want of experience on the part of the helmsman, and 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 tho Court said it was their opinion that all reasonable care was exercised by the master. The affair was a pure accident, and no blame was attachable to the master, officers, or crow. Tho Court was very strongly of opinion that a now survey should be made of tho Middle Bank. Tho chart showed the note “ still extending,” and the survey was mado in 1850, and though alterations had been noted up to 1880 tiio assessors, who were practical men and had often come through tho pass, were very strongly of opinion that a new survey should be mado. No order was made as to costs.