THE TARARUA ENQUIRY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 396, 4 June 1881, Page 3

THE TARARUA ENQUIRY.

Dunedin, Juno 3. The following is a summary of the judgment delivered m regard to the loss of the Tararua :—The Court found that the wreck and loss of life was primarily caused through the failure of Captain Garrard to ascertain, at 4a. m. f on April 29th, the correct position of the shipi when the simple use of the lead would have told the distance off the shore. Tha* although it is to be regretted that the second officer did not exercise his power, which he had to stop the engines if hj found the ship in imminent danger, when for the second time he fancied he heard the breakers, we cannot come to a conclusion that his not doing so was a negligent omission. That the immediate cause of the wreck was the negligent failure of able seaman Weston to keep a proper look out. In reference to the management of. boats, they thought that the loss of the first officer’s might hare been avoided by a more skillful management, but although censuring chief officer Lindsay for his lack of skill, they were not disposed to say that the casualty resulted therefrom, or was caused by his wrongful act or default.” The certificates of both officers were then returned. In answer to a question, the Court said that as the captain lost his life there was no one against whom an order for costs could be made.