COLLISION BETWEEN THE HINEMOA AND TAIAROA.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2340, 16 September 1880, Page 2

COLLISION BETWEEN THE HINEMOA AND TAIAROA.

SECOND EDITION

[IN Tki.kcuaph.] Wku,ixerox, Sent. 15. The official enquiry into the circumstances attending (he collision betwou the .steamers Hinemoa and Taiaroa off Manuka on Aug. :U, was held before the Magistrates and Nautical Assessors to day. The evidence given showed that the two steamers lei'r Onehunga together, and steamed fast to enable them to cross the Manuka bar before night. When at a spot near Cape Horne, the Hinemoa was almost abreast of the Taiaroa, and it is said that the helm of the latter was ported, which caused her to collide with the Hinemoa, one boat and the accommodation ladder being damaged. The Hinemoa was driven in so near to the shore that she touched the bottom but did not become fixed. Neither vessel received muck injui\y and both proceeded on their voyage. Captain Fairchild in Ids evidence said he should not like to say that Captain Malcolm, of the Taiaroa, tried purposely to put him ashore, but it looked very much like it. Judgment was reserved until to-morrow.

THIS DAY. Captain Malcolm in giving evidence before the Nautical Court yesterday said that the Taiama was kept on Her usual course, and that the Hinemna should have passed him on the port side. The helm was steadied to give the Hincmoa room. The Court gave judgment tins morning ; —That it is of opinion that the conduct of both Captains added to the cause of the collision and that Captain Fairchild should not have attempted to pass tbcTaiaroa at Capo Horne ; audit is also of opinion that the collision might have been averted if Captain Malcolm had steadied the helm of the Taiaroa a little sooner. The Bench did not think it a case where it was necessary to cancel or suspend the certificates of either of the captains.