THE RIPPLE CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1925, Page 1

THE RIPPLE CASE

CONFLICTING KVIDF/XOK. [nv IF. LEOHATH —l'Kll I’IIESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Nov. 26. Several witnescs gave evidence before the Court when the hearing of the claim in the Ripple case was continued. The evidence was somewhat contradictory. While some said the vessel had no perceptible list when she left port, others said she had a decided list to port,. Costello, an able seaman on the Moeraki. gave evidence for the plaintiff. He said the Ripple had a big list. Had the wharf not been there, he remarked she would have turned over. When leaving port the Ripple had a list oi at least eight degrees. Tomlinson, marine surveyor, formerly an officer on flic Ripple, said she was mi excellent sea hoai, a HI tie touchy, but easy to trim. It was usual to load the vessel with a list towards the wharf in order lo save rubbing against the piles, the list, being trimmed out of her afterwards. Cross-examined, he. said a list of ciglii degrees would he dangerous in had weather.

Henry Outline, foreman stevedore, who had charge of tlie loading, said all I lie lien vies! cargo was placed in the hold first, viz.. fencing wire, corrugated iron, and jarrali timber. He denied emlmi ically that there was a list, on the vessel during any portion of the day of sailing, when he coaled the vessel also. A tally cleric said there was not a list on the vessel when she left port. At Anderson’s evidefiee. All' Watson, for the defndant company, made formal application to Tune the ease withdrawn from the jury, on the grounds that the only possible negligence was negligence on the part of the late Chief Officer, who was responsible for the loading of the vessel. His Honour promised to consider this point, after both counsel had addressed the jury. The case was adjourned until tomorrow