Packet Licensee and-the Kip Ora.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 336, 1 November 1907, Page 2

Packet Licensee and-the Kip Ora.

The question of packet licenses on c >astal steamers wa.s brought up in the House, when Mr. Wilford, M.H.R. made some caustic remarks on “the grave scandals oceuring in connection with the packet license system.” In so doing be dragged the Kia Ore case again into prominence. That reflections should continue to be made against the Ki i Ora’u officers is hardly fair, since the Minister for Marine has seen fit to return the chief officer of that vessel his certificUe. thus exonerating him entiwdy. While on the subject it is perhaps worth bringing up a point which has hitherto been argued ia connection with the possible cause of the wrccK. It is a solution proffered by a master mariner with an extensive knowledge nf the West C »ast. The Kia Ora it will be remembered, mysteriously got five miles ou’j of becourse, thus running on the ie f. Anyone acquainted with the locality knows there are two points much alike —Albatross Point and Tima Print, close together. Tho f inner h a land mark from which the course is altered to turn into Kawbia. By mistaking Tirua for Alb dross Point and heidiug in for Kawhia, the ship would thus pursne a course wh cb would take her clean over the reef on which she cimc to grief. The sagged! n b a practicable one. As far as the packet license is concerned, much mly no d jubt b argued against it, b it it is a'comman experience amongst travellers lb.it where no license exist * on coastal boats passengers fnqnen ly bring liqu >r on b >ard iu comparatively largequ intiiiethus Ambling any dtugars which exist.—-Farmers’ Weekly.