THE LOSS OF THE SOUTHMINSTER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5525, 11 December 1878, Page 2

THE LOSS OF THE SOUTHMINSTER.

The following judgment was delivered yesterday by Mr. Graham, J.P., chairman of the nautical assessors:—

“We are of opinion that .the loss of this ship is mainly attributable to the existence of a flood tide on the coast, of which the master had no knowledge, a note on the Admiralty chart stating that there is no tide. That the ship struck some distance seaward of her present position, and about the time of high water. That possibly, or even probably, under the special circumstances, had the anchor been let go in 25 fathoms the ship might have been saved ; but as the sounding gave the ship an offing of two miles clear of all dangers marked on the chart, the ship going at the time about twd knots through the water, heading N.E, by N., and tbo wind freshening, with a rising glass, the master was justified in holding on to bis course, which would have carried him well clear of Cape Campbell, had not some adverse influence, such as the flood tide already mentioned, prevented it. That the ship appears to have been well found and properly manned, apd the master appears to have used all proper care and diligence in the navigation of the ship, having remained on deck nearly the whole passage from Lyttelton. We are, however, of opinion that after the ship struck greater efforts might have been made to save the property. Under all the circumstances, we do not consider that the certificates of the master and his officers should bo (retained. Wo desire to call the special attention of Government to the evidence given by Captain Fraser as to tho incorrect information given in the charts pub-

listed by the Admiralty in 1857 and 1870, and now in use.” The Collector of Customs asked for costs, but the Chairman said he had no authority for granting them.