ENQUIRY RE LOSS OF S.S. TARANAKI

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1501, 7 December 1878, Page 3

ENQUIRY RE LOSS OF S.S. TARANAKI

[By Telegraph ] Tauranga, December 6. The inquiry was continued. The chief engineer also gave evidence this morning. Quintal, a passenger, said he heard breakers rom eight o’clock, but thought it was the mainland. The judgment of the Court was as follows : That the loss of the steamer appears by the evidence to have been caused by the vessel running on Karowa Island, and being out of her course, and having run further than the officers supposed; and that the loss and damage was total. The vessel was insured, but to what amount has not yet been ascertained, nor in what companies. The Resident Magistrate was further of opinion that the vessel being out of her course was caused by an error in the compass, probably also by the current setting into bay; also that the ignorance of her officers as to distance run was caused cither by an error in the clock, which was proved to be a common one, or by the officers having incorrectly read such clock. The Court was further of opinion that the master should have taken soundings, and slowed his engines, as the weather was so_ foggy; that, if he had done so, the accident might have been avoided. In consideration of the master’s long coasting service, as it was known to both the as-essors, and of his conduct having been highly praiseworthy after the accident occurred, the Court would not suspend bis certificate. Tbe Magistrate was further of opinion that the chief officer’s log was not so well kept as it ought to have been. No blame was thrown on tbe second officer or engineer. The captain was ordered to pay costs. The Magistrate said he was advised by his assessors, and agreed with them, that iron steam vessels should be swung at least once a year in the Northern ports as well as the Southern, on account of the difference of latitude, and that steamers should be provided with clocks of good quality—one for the captain’s cabin and one for the engine room, and also with a patent sounding apparatus.