WESTMORELAND INQUIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 July 1919, Page 5

WESTMORELAND INQUIRY.

MISHAP IN BLUFF HARBOR. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Invercargill, Last Night. An iflqtliry into ,the Westmorland misbtp whin leaving the Blufi oh the 21st May was opened before the Magistrate, Sir Gruiokshank, and Captains Neville irfd Snsdsthim. Captafii Oomwall deposed that ,the ( harbor pilot took charge at 5.50 pan. . and had'the assitance of a tug. When getting into ,the stream the tug cast off and. the vessel went ahead slowly. Shortly after she struck. The weather was squally but the beacon lights were on vie* all .the time. The grounding and the order for full sped ahead were simultaneous. After striking, the wells were- seunded and the vessel was reported to be making water. When he found the water could .be controlled .the pilot Was discharged and the ship proceeded to Port Chalmers to dock. The telemetre had given trouble on occasions, but not more bo .than on other vessels. He told tko quartermaster not to put helm over jtoo quickly so that it would not miss. Continuing, Captain Cornwall said after pasting Stirling Point he stated to the pilot be waa steering badly and that was .the pilot's fault. He had no complaint to make regarding the manner in which the 'ship manoeuvred from the . wharf, All orders were given by the pilot , and promptly carried out. He suggested the vessel struck a channel rock. The, harbor pilot said he cast off the wharf at 6/15 to get the benefit of the high water, lie vessel struck forward. It had plenty ,oi way on to steer.