THE BARQUE GLADYS

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 825, 25 February 1903, Page 3

THE BARQUE GLADYS

DISCUSSION AT lIABBOJt BOARD

At tho meeting of tho Harbor Board yesterday the Harbormaster, in his report, briefly referred to tho stranding of the barque Gladys, adding J can give no reason for the ship getting where sbe did.” Captain Tucker said that so far no adequate reason had been given for the Gladys meeting with the mishap, nor did he know of any ollicial inquiry with a view of elucidating the reason. Probably an accident of this kind would do some injury to the name of tho port. At the first conclusion no doubt it would, but at the second thought it might be concluded that tho Gisborne harbor was a capital place and a very safe one for a ship to get aground, when she could go on at one tide i and get oil' at the next. But he was afraid that shipmasters would be inclined to sheer off such a place, saying “ that is where tho Gladys went ashore.” lie would like an answer to tho question, how did tho Gladys get ashore? The wind was blowing from north-west to south-west. There was no reason why such a wind should put the vessel aground. Mr Sicvwright : There was an inquiry by the Coilector of Customs. Tho Chairman : But it was not made public. Mr Sicvwright : Was our Harbormaster present ? Captain Cummings: No. Tho Chairman : As far as wo know there was no examination of witnesses. Mr Sicvwright: There was an inquiry, a very simple one ; the question is whether it was adequuto. Tho Chairman : We thought that there would be an inquiry in Auckland, where the vessel had gone to ho docked, f do not know if tho Harbormaster can give us much information. Mr Sicvwright: I do not sec that we have much to do with the matter, except to maintain the good character of the port. It would have been better if they had seen fit to have had a public investigation of iho accident, and wo might express ourselves strongly on that point. Beyond that I do not see any need for us to interfere. Captain Tucker : Ono would havo supposed that any examination would have been public ; at least to this Board, so that it might havo been represented and protected tho name of tho port. Had ' thoro been any special circumstances to account for this mishap, such as stress of weather, ono would not think so much of it. Hut as it was it did not scorn adaquately accounted for. Mr Harding said he thought the powers that he had made all nccossary enquiries in Auckland. The Chairman : I think tho boat is on her way Homo now. Mr Harding thought that tho name of tho port would not bo in any way affected by tho mishap. He supposed that the authorities wore satisfied about the matter. Captain Tucker : But wo aro not satisfied. Mr Sicvwright moved, “ That this Board desires to record its dissatisfaction at tho absence of any public enquiry into tho stranding of tho Gladys by which tho reputation of this port is affected.” Mr Harding : Where is tho resolution to go to'? Captain Tucker : Well, it will go on our books. Tho Chairman seconded the motion, and said that to give any effect it should go to tho Marino Department. He considered that justico was not being done to tho port for tho want of an investigation. Captain Tucker said that apparently there was no intention to hold an enquiry. Mr Hepburn : They did have ono. Tho Chairman said ho thought that that was only as to wbother tho barquo was fit to tako to Auckland for docking. Mr Siovwright: I think that there was more than that, but it was not made public. Tho Chairman: I do not know; tho Harbormaster may know more about it. Capt. Cummings : I do not seo that I can say anything ; it must come from tho Collector of Customs, to whom tho master of tho ship mado his statomont. The Chairman: You saw tho vessel going out. Capt. Cummings : Yes. Captain Tucker : Whon tho vessol got under way did you oxpoct hor to go aground ? Capt. Cummings : No; but I think it would bo as well if I were not asked any questions about it, as I was not on board. The Chairman : Did you go beforo tho Collector of Customs to givo evidence ? Capt. Cummings : No, I was not asked ; that was tho reason for my mentioning it in tho report, as I could not make reference to it otherwise. The Chairman: As far as you know there was no roason that morning for tho vossol to run ashore ? Capt. Cummings : I do not know of any reason for her going on to tho beach. Tho Chairman: Wind and weather wore favorablo for her to get out of the bay safoly ? Capt. Cummings : Now, you aro going into tho wholo question upon which it hardly seems right that I should bo asked to oxpress an opinion. Captain Tucker: Tho stato of tho wind gives us an idea. Mr Harding : I do not see what good tho resolution will do. The Chairman: It will not do any harm.

Mr Harding: We havo tho largest vessels in New Zoaland coming horc, and are not likely to have any more of the sailor class to ship wool. I cannot see that any injury to the port will be dono. Mr Hepburn: Wo know that vessels will go ashoro in tho best of harbors. Even in Auculand, which is one of the best harbors in the world, we hoar of mishaps. Tho motion was carried, Mr Harding dissenting. On tho motion of Mr Siovwright it was then agreed that a copy of tho resolution should bo forwarded to the Marino Department. The Chairman : We are dissatisfiod at tho absence of any public inquiry. Mr Harding : Wo havo nothing to do with it. Mr Hepburn : Wo havo tho reputation of tho port to consider. Captain Tucker: Supposing wo have a few vessels going ashoro ono after another Mr Hepburn: Freights would bo increased — Tho Chairman: Freights, insurance, and everything elso would be increased, and tho port given a very bad name.