LOSS OF MALABAR

Hokitika Guardian, 17 April 1931, Page 6

LOSS OF MALABAR

CAPTAIN'S FAULT. (Australian Press Association) SYDNEY, April 16. Captain Leslie, former master of the wrecked Mambar, to-day was found guilty of negligence by the Commonwealth Court of .Marine. His certificate was cancelled. The Chairman of the Court. Mr paidlaw, Stipendiary Magistrate, said that i(. was unfortunate that a- man with Leslie’s fine record and his advancing years should have been found guilty °f neglect. The Court’s first duty was to decide whether he should he further trusted with the custody of a ship, and, on (he there was no alternative hut to cancel his certificate. Captain Leslie’s counsel had submitted that two Malayan quartermasters had conspired and given false evidence against Leslie with regard to hi* orders on the bridge. On the other hand, the Deputy Director of Navigation argued that the captain did not fake action soon enough to place the Malabar in a position of safety. Moreover, the speed was excessive, while the visibility was had. The Court commended Captain Leslie and the officers on the lacilMy with which the passengers were taken to safety. EXPLOITING AN ORDER. AY FILLING TON. April 16. A labourer, .Ulna's Ward, til. "as sentenced to tlirCe months’ imprisonment by Mr E. Page. S.M.. on a charge of being idle and disorderly. He i)resented to a cafe proprietor an order on. the Hospital Board alter having a meal, hut this had been interfered with. Originally it was lor one hod and one meal, hut had been altered to seven beds and twelve meals, and accused wanted in turn the unennsiimed portion to cash. IP* got the order from another man. with whom lie had been drinking. He hud a police record.