TELEGRAMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1917, Page 3

TELEGRAMS.

Per Press Association.--Gopyright. Naittical Enquiry. AUCKLAND March 14. Afc the nautical enquiry at Hunily. Captoin Dryden master of the Araliura ‘laid that at 10.45 the anchor was away and lie rang for the engines to go hard ahead to starboard, then full astern to port.

The liner was showing a green light all the time and lie put his helm hard to port to avoid her. Although she was “going way” the ship did not appear to take action and he saw the liner bearing down at right angles a few feet away, and he put his helm to starboard hoping to get round her bows.

When the Araliura struck he immediately stopped his engines and the liner struck the Araliura again. As the ships drifted apart ho ordered the engines astern.

THE MARAROA ENQUIRY.

Captain’s Error of Judgment

Wellington, March 15

The Magisterial Enquiry into the stranding of the Mararoi was concluded to-day. The Court found that tha mishap was due to en unexpected easterly set, and dense fog, which prevented Gap-, tain Reid, from ascertaining hi? position with any degree of certainty. In the opinion of the Court, the stranding was contributed to by an error of judgment on the part of the Capta ; n, in failing to stop the ship at 8 a.m. Under the weather conditions then prevailing, the Captain should hava allowed himself time to obtain some accurate soundings, and in that way to taka all reasonable precautions to

8 void str anding. The mishap was not dua to any default on the part of the other officers or of tha crew.

The Captain’s certificate was returned but he was ordered to pay half the coats of tho Enquiry.

Reduction of Racing. Dunedin March 15 Government has decided to observe Day on Monday, April 23rd, eo is not to confliot with the municipal lections. Tha Racing and Trotting Conferraces will not meet till the usual late, The Minister of Internal Affairs lays either the Government will submit a schema to the Conferences for a reduction of racing during the war or the Conferences will ba asked to take the matter in hand themselves, and submit a scheme. Government are aware that there is a strong feeliDg throughout the country, and even among racing men themthemselves, that it is incongruous to have racing going on as usual, whilst our mon are risking and losing their lives in battle.

The cable news m this issue aa* credited to the “ Times ” has appeared in that journal, but cnly where expressly stated is such news the editorial opinion of tha “ Time?