THE THAROA DISASTER. The Captain's Certificate Cancelled.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 155, 22 May 1886, Page 5

THE THAROA DISASTER. The Captain's Certificate Cancelled.

Wellington, May 14. Judgment in the Taiaroa inquiry was given this morning. Mr Stratford after reviewing the evidence as to the state of the weather and incidents of the voyage up tj the time of striking, said he found that the vessel was navigated eafely up to 3 30 p m., when the wind changed to the southward. The course ought then to have been altered to south, q west, and at 5 p.m , or thereabouts, wind having increased, the master should have used the same judgment as he displayed in the straits, when he allowed a quarter point to westward, the ship being light. In the evening he should have allowed at least a point, and moreover, knowing he was on a lee shore with the wind and sea increasing, a leadsman should have been placed in the chains till the weather cleared. Had this been done at 6 or 6.30 o'clock, the soundings must have shown him he was too close inshore. The neglect of Captain Thomson to look at the compass showed want of care and ignorance of the responsibilities of his position. His certificate would be cancelled ; but in view of the judgment, coolness, and courage displayed by the captain after the wreck, the Government would be reco/nmended to re-issue his certificate after a lapse of some time, providing he shall have served during the meantime regularly at sea as a mate. The costs of the inquiry amount to £33 6?, of which £16 103 would be charged to the cap'ain. Mr Stratford complimented counsel for the forbearance they had shown for the memory of the dead in conducting the inquiry.