LAUNCHES COLLIDE

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1929, Page 6

LAUNCHES COLLIDE

OWNERS FINED

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

NELSON, July 2.; ,

As the outcome of a collision in the Bay some days ago between the oil engine launches “Maritana” and “Shamrock,” the 'respective, masters, Russell John Ricketts and James Henry Crap'pcr, apnea red Mr T. E. Maunscll, STIR., charged with causing by their wilful default infringements of the “collision regulations” (Shipping and Seamen’s Act) in permitting their launches to be at sea without carrying the lights prescribed 'by the regulations, The Collector oh CUstoms (Mr F. C. J. Fantham), who prosecuted, stated that the Maritana and the fishing launch Shamrock came into collision in the early morning of the 3rd of. Juno last, just outside the harbour entrance. The matter Was reported' 1 ’ to : him on the following flay by Ricketts, and the same afternoon an inquiry into the; cause of the collision was held by 'the 'Collector. The finding was that the collision was caused by the neglect of tho masters of both vessels to carry the lights pres, ribed by the regulations. The Collector asked for a heavy, penalty, and stated that the Marine Department took a very serious view of the offence. Much publicity had been given to. the neglect of the.; launches to carry, lights. Only a year; ago, there had .been a Magisterial inquiry into a collision which occurred at almost the same, place. The Collector also stated that the masters, of , coastal vessels had been complaining to the Department through the Mer--chant Service Guild that launches were still moving round Nelson at night without exhibiting lights. The defendant Ricketts said that he had been on a trip to the Croixelles, and had expected to make the return journey ,in daylight. The Magistrate agreed with, the Collector as to the seriousness of the ••iffencej and said he .would have r t6 t . inflict heavy . fines. Each defendant was accordingly. fined £lO, with costs ; 10s. . ... > ft 1 ■ • .V-