THE COUNTY OF AYR INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7961, 26 October 1905, Page 2

THE COUNTY OF AYR INQUIRY.

MASTKIi AND CI-IIKF OFFICER BLAMKDJ (I'er I'ress Association.) At. the nautical inquiry into the circumstances connected -with the wreck ol the barque Comity of Ayr, evidence was taken of two residents of Shag Point, who saw the vessel about two hundred yards off the shore on .the morning of the SSOth, flli so of the waster, first .and second) mates, ami several seamen. Tile following decision was given :—t" The Court linds the County of Ayr was wrecked on Danger Reef on the momma; of the ?.Oih, through careless navigation on the part of Captain Tulloch and his first officer; James Arthur Rolvillard, and considers both of these officers to blame for not using the log, and not taking soundings for their exact position when ' making short lacks, off the coast during the thick weather prevailing. The Court considers that both the captain ami first officer must be censured for carries* navigation. Their heavy loss through the, wreck is taken intoi consideration, and their certificates will lie returned on payment of costs. The Court acquits the second officer (if blame, ami orders iI K return of •us certificate without comment. M Costi were assessed as follows Witnesses £3 10s, assessors' fees £i M, counsel for prosecution £2 2s.