THE KAIPABA INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 305, 3 February 1910, Page 5

THE KAIPABA INQUIRY.

A MISLEADING CHART. By Telegraph. —Press Association. Auckland, February 2. At the Ivaipara inquiry this morning the harbormaster, Captain Duder, was further examined. lie said the spot where the rock was 1 found was shown tis 5% fathoms on the Admiralty chart, Vvhieh lie admitted was absolutely misleading. Captain Cornwall's course was a safe one but for that rock, but it *\'as not the safest course. The Collector of Customs stated that [ the Marine Department had issued in- ' Structions for an inspection of the sea [ liottom at the berth occupied by the Kaipara. The court then adjourned to inspect the locality of the shoal on which the Kaipara struck. AN INCORRECT STATEMENT. Wellington, February 2. Surprise is expressed in shipping I'ireles at the statement of the secretary of the Auckland Harbor Board that the Hydro'graphic Department of the 'Admiralty refuses' to accept any survey •other than those made by its own officers. This is said to be incorrect, for • surveys carried out by the local Harbor Board have been accepted by the Admiralty and charts embodying them issued. FURTHER EVIDENCE. Auckland, Last Night. At the Kaipara inquiry Charles Mollaer, light-keeper at Beau Rock, said he watched tlic Kaipara come down the Si arbor. He had seen a great many large steamers; go out of Auckland, and the Kaipara seemed to liim to follow the ordinary course. Mr. Brigham, secretary to the Harbor Board, recalled, said in answer to Mr. Kettle' that he would not like to pill the Responsibility 011 any one for the delay In having a survey made of the ehan•nel. After the reported striking of the •Waimate in 1004, the Harbor Board wanted a survey and were willing to pay for it. The Penguin was in the port at ■the time and was engaged on what the Harbor Board considered less' important work, but the Department gave no definite reply. Mr. Kettle: But the minutes show that a survey by Captain Diuler and the engineer, Mr. Hamer, was authorised, and a report here shows that those 'gentlemen expressed their ability to do it at a cost of £450. Why was that survey not carried out? —Because the Board deferred the question with a view to getting the u&'e of the survey ship on the station. Mr. Kettle: Were the harbormaster

ancl the engineer not capable of doing it?—l do not s«y that. The 'Board simply desired to get the Admiralty vessel with all the appliances. Mr. Brigliam, in further evidence, gaid Captain Dawson, of the Penguin, had told him that they would not take soundings to place on the Admiralty chart unless they were verified. They could not correct their charts in a loos'e *way. He (Mr. Brigliam) would not say ■officially as secretary of the Harbor Board that the Admiralty hydrographers would not accept soundings from the Harbor Board. Cross-questioned by Mr. Cotter, wlio appeared for the New Zealand Shipping Company, Mr. Brigham said he could not recollect any conversation between the chairman of the Harbor Board, the harbormaster and himself in which the harbormaster was given instructions' not to attempt to locate the shoal in the meantime, because the onus was on the captain of the ship. There were several conversations, and he thought what was said was that if Captain Cornwall alleged he bad struck a shoal it was for liim to prove it. The inquiry was' adjourned till Monday,. Mr. Ridings intimating that in the meantime the shoal in the channel and the berthage at the wharf would be surveyed by the Marine Department. EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. Auckland, Last Night. A statement as to the damage suil'er■ed by the Kaipara by grounding in Rangitoto channel was given on behalf of the New Zealand Shipping Company •to a Herald reporter on inquiry to-day. This shows that in all twenty-one plates on the starboard side of the vessel are more or less' IraeWed, and require renewing or training into position. In addition to these injuries, the steamer lias been damaged in other parts. The repairs will occupy some seven or eight weeks. Tenders have been called for the repairs, and will be returnable at noon to-morrow.