Ferry Steamers Collision.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 April 1910, Page 3

Ferry Steamers Collision.

Second Edition.

KXQI'IRY OPENED IN WELLINGTON. [I'EK I'ItEKS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Middav. T! io .Magisterial enquiry into the collision between the harbour ferry steamers "Duchess" and "Cobar," on tho night of March 3()th_, was opened to-day. ?»I r Haselden, S.M., presided, and Captains E. tttott and W. J. Grey sat as .assessors. Captain W. Jones, master of the "Duchess," gave evidence that he left Day's Bay at G o'clock. and after he passed Point Jerniingham he saw the "Cobar" oomTng straight on. Ho thought she was bringing him a message. When ■iho "Cobar" was about four lengths away she gave two short blasts of her whistles, but witness did not make any signal to her. He luxd altered bis course just before, in order to be in line with the south end of the Queen's Wharf. After lie saw the "Cobar" ho did not alter his course, because lie did not think the "Cobar" was going to run into the "Ducliess." The "Cobar" could see the "Duchess' " starboard light clearly; lie did not speak to the captain of tho "Co-

liar" after tlio collision, but kept on his course. He did not stop beeauso lit' saw tlio "Collar" go Oil, and ho thought she wis all right. About three years ago the terries Company suspended him. but he did not know what for. He W!IS n °t under tlio influence of liquor whom the collision occurred.