THE TAVIUNI INQUIRY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9139, 7 May 1908, Page 4

THE TAVIUNI INQUIRY.

EVIDENCE CONCLUDED

Press Association

Westport, May 6. The nautical inquiry into the stranding of the Taviuni was resumed to-dSy. Hale Knight, signalman, gave evidence that he saw the Taviuni pass the tiphead, and a few minutes later she was in the surf. There was a fog on the river, but it was clear outside. The vessel was obscured for a time by the mist. The chief officer, John Flynn, recalled, said the log gave the same reading at 8.30 as at 8 o’clock —156 miles. It had either failed to act or there had been a misreading somewhere.

The second officer said he reset the log next day after showing the chief officer it registered 156 miles, which was five miles short of their distance. He reset the log because he did not wish it to be tampered with by those gathered in the wheel-house. Florence Suisted, a passenger, said everything was done by the captain and officers under the circumstances to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers. Captain Brophy, recalled, testified that the three officers were good reliable man, and attended to their duties.

Counsel having spoken, the Court reserved its decision till the morning.

The Court found Capt. Brophy guilty of negligence and suspended his certificate for three months and ordered him to pay costs £35 11s. No blame was attached to the other officers.