NAUTICAL ENQUIRY.
At the Magistrate’s Court yesterday afternoon a Nautical Enquiry was held ino the loss of tho s.s. Paeroa on Friday July 23rd. on the Hokitika beach.
The Court consisted of Mr T.' E. Maunsell, S.M., Captain Cox, harbourmaster at Greymouth; and Mr P. Hnmbleton of Greymouth. Mr A. H. Stuart represented the Marino Department and Mr R. Wild, the shipping company. Evidence was given by William Earl (master), A. Ingram (mate), 11. McKenzie (engineer), and L. G. Do Ncdclee (able seaman) of the steamer, William Scott (signalman), and R. Wild (secretary of the Shipping Company). Mi; Stuart produced a cross secthJh of the rudder post showing it to he very dosed and eaten by teredo. The evidence was on lines of that pub lislied at the time of tho accident. It was shown that it was estimated at low tide that there would he 9.G on tho bar at high tide, but actually the sound ing showed 7.G about the time she struck, humping heavily, with the result that the rudder and stern post carried away, preventing the steering of the steamer and causing a leak that ultimately neoesilated tho beaching of the vessel.
It was stated that in May last, the rudder post was examined by the Marine Deparment officer when it was stated that it could remain till October next when it was considered it would have to be renewed.
The Court replied to the following questions:—
Whteher the casualty was due to the wrongful act or default on the part of the Master? Answer —No. In taking the vessel across the bar under the conditions existing at the time.—No. In handling the vessel after she struck on the bar? —No. Whether tho hull of the vessel was tight and sound before she left Hokitika wharf on tho date of the casualty. —-Yes. If not, to what extent did the conditions of the hull or any part thereof contribute to the casualty?-—Problema-tical. The Court completely exonerated the master and officers from any blame, considering that all that was possible had been done to save the vessel, the master’s certificate being returned.
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Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1920, Page 1
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355NAUTICAL ENQUIRY. Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1920, Page 1
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