THE TAINUI DISASTER

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3329, 6 November 1919, Page 4

THE TAINUI DISASTER

lUARINE DEPARTIIENT’S ACTION.-

WELLINGON, Nov. 5.

During the discussion onvthc Marine Dcpal-tmentfs estimates in the EC?-use of Representatives ‘io-night several members inquired what the" Department- proposed to do to prevent furiher disasters. for bcllzlhle-carl‘ying ships. Mr Semplé was anxious to know if anyone would be pro.<:ceuted over the Tainui cause.

Mr Ell declared that there was nothing more ,-hocking than the Wgy in‘ wliich the ship was allowed 1') leave port. We ought to be able to ensure. ihe safety of men who left our _shorr.-s. Mr Me.Colnbs -gave details of the Marine Departlllexlt ’s staff atALyttelton to demonstrate that they were shockingly oVC'r\\‘Ol'l{ed. - The Minister of Marine declared that his Depui-tmcnt was probing the Tainui ease to the bottom, to ascertain where?’ the fault lay, whether with the shipowners or inspectors. It Was considering Whether the carriage of ban-sing in wooden ships should be altogether prohibited. The Crown law officers would advise what action shou-id. be taken, and if the reggulutions ought to be. strengthened. lf the disaster was -the fault of the Department’s ofi-eers, he agreed that they should be made an "example of, but he would not sacrifice any ofil'eex' if the regulations were at fault, -‘.\—fr Remple: Will you charge the shipowners with manslaughter if they are at fault‘? Hon. W. H. Hex-riee: If they are at fault we will do what the law says. V.‘