Nautical Inquiry.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 128, 10 May 1884, Page 2

Nautical Inquiry.

[Per Press Association.] Wellington, May 9. A nautical inquiry into the founerding of the steamer Kangaroo last Friday commenced to-day. Mr. Izard appeared for the Government and Mr. Shaw for Capt. Dyball. The captain, mate, chief engineer, and helmsman of the ill-fated vessel were called, but no new facts were adduced.

Captain Johnson, Inspector under the Shipping Act, also gave evidence. He stated that the spot marked as where the Kangaroo struck there were no rocks. It had been reported that the Stella struck where the Kangaroo has, but this was incorrect. Where the Stella struck was on a reef which was marked on the chart. On the conclusion of the evidence for the Crown, the Bench, which was occupied by Mr. Wardell, R.M., and Captains Barclay and Horne, Assessors, intimated that they were of opinion that there was a charge for Capt. Dyball to answer. Mr. Shaw then intimated that he intended calling the lighthouse keeper at Cape Campbell, Captains Fairchild, Gray, Doile, Pope, Bcrriman, and Wells ; also Pilot Holmes and the remainder of the crew of the Kangaroo. Here a fresh difficulty arose, as it is imposrible to procure the lighthouse keeper until the middle of the week and Capt. Barclay’s vessel leaves here on Tuesday, Mr. Shaw objected to go on with the case, as Capt. Horne was not a captain of a merchant vessel.

The result of the inquiry is that the Collector of Customs will lay the whole matter before the Minister of Marine, and on hearing his reply will communicate as to whether he will commence proceedings de novo with another assessor in place of Capt. Barclay. The latter course will probably be adopted.