The Wiltshire Enquiry.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1922, Page 1

The Wiltshire Enquiry.

[jiv TELEGRAPH—FEB PRESS association]

AUCKLAND, June 23

Mr Meredith-pointed out that a considerable amount of evidence Lad been called to confirm the prevalence of a set in the coastal area about Cuvier and Great Barrier Islands. He had other evidence-on the point, but did.not wish to waste time if the Court were satisfied about the set aild could apply himself to the matter of whether the Master was justified in not turning immediately lie got a doubtful sounding. Mr "Cutten, after, consulting his colleagues, said there was no objection to counsel knowing what was in the mind of the Court. What they were troubled about was that, according to the Captain’s own evidence and course set, he. was within range of the light nt 10 p.m. and expected then to pick it up. He proceeded at full speed for an hour when lie had failed to pick it up. Secondly, there was the matter of doubtful sounding. When he got a sounding indicatiiigloiiger, merely heeouse there was no material on the nruling of the lead, he did not accept it and act immediately bv turning the ship, while lie checked the sounding, notwithstanding tlmt the chart showed a clean bottom nt the point where he made the souiid'"m,- Meredith replied that apparently there was no need for him to deal further with the question of set. “You will he very clever it you get an expression of opinion from us about set” stated Mr Cutten. That does not bother us at all. There are two points on which we require to be satisfied irst, is continuing at full speed when the Master failed to pick up a light when he expected it, and second, tlmt showed a necessity for immediate action before checking the sounding, he didn’t take immediate action but proceeded with the check first. Mr Meredith stated he would not g' further with the evidence as to set. and was granted an hour s nd I° ur "* incut to consult with his client on the point mentioned by the ( ourt.

IN QUIRY CONCLUDED

THE FINDING AGAINST THE CAPTAIN. AUCKLAND, June 23. After Counsel addressed the Court, the following, finding was delivered: “The cause of the casualty was that the vessel struck the rocks on that portion of the south-east of tho Great Harriot' Island to the northward of Rosalie Bay. We are of opinion that the casualty was due to two errors of judgment of the master. Had the ship made the cotirso set, and travelled at the speed 'estimated bv tho Master the ship would, according to the -Master’s own evidence, he within range of Cuvier Light at 10 p.m. The light was not picked up- think that for tho ship to continue at full speed for an hour after this time, while unable to pick up the light, was an error of judgment. The fact that tl.e ship was unable to pick up the hg i could only have two explanations, cither that the visibility was not good, or that tho ship was not in tho position expected. It is the duty of a master, in such circumstances,' to give due weight, not merely to the question of visibility, but to the possibility that the ship is not in the position, expected, and to proceed with caution. Further, at the end of an hour a sounding was taken, which indicated danger, and the necessity for immediate action. The failure to accept the notification of danger that the sounding implied, and to ; net accordingly, because the arming of the lead brought up nothing indicating the nature of the bottom, was a grave error of judgment. Iho casualty might have been avoided by proeoed- , ing with greater caution when unable to 1 pick up Cuvier Light, a s expected, and ; later, by acting immediately upon the ! indications of danger by a sounding ! taken 20 minutes before tho vessel ' struck. Wo have found the Master made two errors of judgment, one a very grave error. There, is no reason to deal with the Master’s certificate. It will bo returned to him, but be will bo ordered to pay the costs of the enquiry.” Mr Cutten SEAL. added that t’ Court would like to express Its appreciation of tile conduct of the Master and the officers, who did their very best after the ship was stranded, and showed a very excellent example to the men. TTc further made reference to the very great work of the rescuers.