NORTHUMBERLAND ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1927, Page 1

NORTHUMBERLAND ENQUIRY

[IY TELEGRAPH —I*ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, March 9

Aii inquiry into the accident to the steamer Northumberland was begun to-day. Mr Meredith for the Marine Department said at 1.35 p.m. 011 January 25th in smooth water she struck a submerged rook three miles from land. It was’not possible that she was off her course. At Gisborne a large lump of papa rock was found lodged in her hull. No trace of a submerged rock could be found.

Captain Broughton, in his evidence, described the course taken. There was a difference of some five degrees between tlie steering and standard compasses but this was allowed toi. He was on the bridge till five minutes before she struck. Tic did not take any bearings after the accident. AUCKLAND, March 9.

The captain of the Northumberland, answering further questions said an examination of the bottom showed tlie ship had struck twice. He had no reason to think that when the course was changed there was confusion between the true and magnetic north. Had there been the resulting course would have lain dangerously close to Ariel Rocks, over the spot marked 2-J fathoms on the chart, while he considered the rook on which the ship struck was 24 feet lie-low the surface. He examined the compass ten minutes before- the vessel struck. She was then on tlie correct course.

Mr Moody—You know a suggestion has heen made that you failed to alterthe course off Gable End. Witness indicated certain cross-bear-ings made on the chart, which could not have been made had he failed to alter the course. Like the first officer his first impression was that a rock had been struck. The Third Officer corroborated the evidence of tho Captain. John Rollons. Master of the Tutanekai, described the search for the rock. He said lie moored a boat in 30 fathoms of water to mark the conjectured site of the mishap, and lie used two buoys, moored afresh each day, as guides for drugging operations. The coast depth found was 27 fathoms and most of the soundings gave thirty fathoms or more. To produce such damage as the Northumberland liad received. the rock would have to be 12ft to lift below the surface at the time of the impact-. In many years on the coast, lie bad never seen or beard of a break in that vicinity.

In answer to Air Moody Captain Rollons said that lie bad been assessor at tlie nautical inquiry after the steamer Pnkclia struck' a. rock in Bluff Harbour a number of years ago. Tn this ease the master was exonerated. It was not until a year later that four rocks were located, all previous search having hoen vesultless. Asked about the Wailiorc rock, outside Gisborne, witness said that after two vessels had been damaged, the Harbourmaster spent five weeks in searching, but no rook was found. Later another vessel, the Waihorn, struck the rock, and it was located fairly on the line of the beacons marking the harbour entrance. Mr Moody: AVliat about the Omanere Rock in Doubtful Sound?

Captain Bollons: Yes. 'Hie Omapere struck that when the chart showed 90 fathoms. In reply to other questions, lie said the Knipnra Dock, in the Pnngitotu Channel. had been unknown until tbc vessel of tl«it name struck it. Four isolated rocks bad been located off Tiritiri after being unknown for many years. Other instances could be cited. At this stage the inquiry was adjour nod until to-morrow.