THE WRECK OF THE MURITAI.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 159, 26 June 1908, Page 2

THE WRECK OF THE MURITAI.

col'kt of ixyciuy. SiSCOiND OFFICER AND CAPTAIN BLAMED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Wednesday. The nautical Court of Inquiry, consisting of Mr. Kettle, ij.M., and Captains Iteiil and Crawford, this afternoon gave its finding as a result of tin; formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wreck of the steamship Muritai, owned by tlie Northern steamship Company, on the Hen and Chickens group of islands 011 May 27th. Having iiegard to the whole circu instances, Mr. Kettle said, the Court, was of the opinion that the wreck could not be attributed to the compass. Further, they were of opinion that the captain should have given inatruetions to be called when rounding Tiit(ik,tka, knowing the second officer was not experienced. The second mate did not comply with the collision regulations, and should have slackened his speed or stopped altogether before running into the thick fog.

The Court, found the second mate guilty of culpable neglect, and breach of the regulations. Tliev ordered that his certificate ho suspended for twelve months, and that he pay half the coat of the inquiry. The. captain would he ordered t<i pay the other half of the costs. The Court would not; deal with the captain's certificate, as he wan a careful and experienced neallla.ll, hut the Court considered that he should have been on the bridge when Tutukaka was rounded.