Nautical Enquiry.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1922, Page 1

Nautical Enquiry.

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At the Rona Inquiry, Air Cotton, 5.. M., said from the remarks made by the Chief Officer as to what occurred after the Capain left the bridge, the Chief Officer never seriously took the responsibility, lie had no specific instructions and was looking for the return of the captain. Of course the chief officer was quite wrong because when he was on the bridge, lie was ill charge and responsible. ' Air Alerfflith, in reply, said it was suggested to put aside Grantley’s evidence in which he stated no blame was attachable to the captain. He submitted it was unfair to take one part of the Chief Officer’s evidence and set aside another part. He stressed the qualifications of the mate and evidence i.f tla- various shipmasters supporting the action of the .Master in leaving the male in charge. Grantley knew where lie was. It was a perfectly simple thing to pass the light. The Chief Officer requested permission to speak and said he had from the

first taken a full share of the blame. He appealed to the Court for whatever leniency it could make. He was at no time negligent, and was keenly attentive to his duty, but was deceived by the close approach of a light which he thought was further off. Replying to the Chairman, Grantley said lie fully understood‘at tho time Hint the .Master went off the bridge and that lie (ftrant ley) was in charge. At this stage the Court adjourned for two hours to frame its findings. Later the Court announced that it had been unable to come to a decision and would give its findings at 11.30 a.m. oil Monday.