DUNEDIN HARBOUR COLLISION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9135, 2 May 1908, Page 5

DUNEDIN HARBOUR COLLISION.

Per Press Association. Dunedin, May 1

The inquiry into the collision between the Defence steamer Lady Roberts and the oil launch Matakana was resumed at Port Chalmers today. Joseph Coddoi, owner of tho launch, admitted that he was in charge of the tiller when the accident happened, though immediately prior to that event the tiller was in the hands of one of tho passengers. On leaving Port Chalmers the engine ■was working badly and while he attended to it some of the passengers held the helm aud kept a look out. From time to time he issued instructions to the steersmen. When lie saw a collision threatening he knew his duty was to go to starboard, aud he tried to do so, but it was too late. If the captain of the Lady Roberts had put his helm aport he would have cleared the steamer by 40 feet. He had had only two glasses of beer before leaving Port Chalmers.

Gunner Birchall, of the Dunedin Navals, said if Coddoi had not snatched the tiller out of his hand the launch would have cleared the steamer. Coddoi turned the rudder and a collision resulted.

Counsel for Coddoi contended that the Lady Roberts was on her wrong side of the channel. Evidence was also given by jnen who picked up the two portions of the launch, and after counsel had addressed the Court, the magistrate said the Court would reserve its decision.