Shipping Enquiries.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1922, Page 4

Shipping Enquiries.

VALMAIUE STRANDING AND .MAORI-ZITA COLLISION.

WELLINGTON, March 27

The findings of the Nautical Court which heard evidence with regard : o the -Maori—Zita collision and the stranding of the schooner \ elmarie on Thursday were life live red in the ATagisIrate’s Court on Saturday. In each case t lie certificates were returned to t' e captain and chief officer. No order was made for costs.

In the Valmarie case the court found that tine captain committed a slight cri'or of judgment in standing in too dose to Farewell Spit. Also, although his chart, a late one, showed sufficient depth of water, the “New Zealand Pilot” gave him notice that the sands were shifting. The court commend the master for the steps he took to save liis vessel after she struck. The court advised that the attention of the Marine Department he drawn to the evidence regarding the constant changing of the sands and that shipmasters should he warned accordingly. MAORI-ZITA COLLISION.

The court found, with regard to the Maori— Zita collision, that a good and proper lookout was kept on both ships, but a low-lying haze around the Zita reduced the visibility of her skJe-lights; that the chief officer of the Maori acted properly on sighting the Zita, by porting his helm, but it would have been •better had ho indicated his change of course bv signal on tire whistle and that the chief officer on the Zita acted properly as he was not aware that the Maori had seen him. Certain recommendations were also made by the court regarding tlie relieving of officers of fast passenger ships.