THE ELGINSHIRE INQUIRY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2332, 19 March 1892, Page 2

THE ELGINSHIRE INQUIRY.

On Thursday at 10 o'clock the Resident Magistrate took his seat at the Timaru Courthouse to open the enquiry into the casualty to the Elginshire. He was accompanied by Captain Sutter, as Assessor. Mr Dean, assistant Clerk of the Court, read the formsl application for the enquiry, addressed to the Magistrate by Mr Charles Stafford Nixon,' acting Collector of Customs. The application set forth that the cause of the casualty, so far as the applicant has at present ascertained, was careless navigation, and an investigation appeared necessary or expedient. Mr J. W. White, Crown Prosecutor, appeared for the Customs Department, and Mr Hay for the owners and captain of the vessel. Mr Nixon sat with Mr White, and Captain Millar and Mr Moore with Mr Hay. In reply to the Court, Mr White said a copy of the Collector's report had been served on the officers of the vessel. Mr Wray said unfortunately there had been a difficulty in obtaining the services of a second Assessor. Captain Sutter y had kindly consented to sit as one. v Captain Thomson, of Port Chalmers, who \ had also consented, could not arrive until that day's express. His Worship said if there was any particular charge against any of the officers it would be well to inform them. Mr White said there was no charge against any particular officer further than that stated in the Collector's application, that the ship was lost by careless navigation. His Worship suggested that the officers' certificates had better be handed in before the inquiry commenced. The inquiry was then formally adjourned till 10 o'clock next morning.