TAURANGA.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3062, 7 December 1878, Page 1

TAURANGA.

Friday.

The result of the Taranaki enquiry is made, known. The assessors are of opinion that the loss was caused by error m the (compasses, and the setting of the tide. The master's and mate's certificates were not suspended. The opinion of the Court is that speed should be slackened and soundings taken in foggy weather. No blame attaches to the second officer or engineer. The following is the judgment verbatim i-r" That the loss, or damage, appears by the evidence to hare been caused by the vessel funning on Karewa island, and ' being out of her course; and having run . further than the officers supposed the said loss or damage was.done. The total loss of the vessel was insured, but to what amount I have been unable to ascertain; or in what company. That the Taranaki is schooner rigged, her port of registry Dunedin, her registered tonnage 327 32-100ths; that no lives were lost through the, wreck; and I, the said. Justice of the Peace, and Resident Magistrate, further state my opinion'on the matter aforesaid to "be as follows:— That the vessel being out of her course was paused by an error of the ( compass, . and probably also, the current setting into the bay, and also that the ignorance of her. officers as to the distance run was caused either by an error in the clock, which was proved to be a common one, or by the officers, having incorrectly read such clock. I,.am further,of opinion that the master should have taken soundings and slowed his engines, as the weather was so foggy. That if he had done so the acci^ dent might have been avoided. In consideration of the master's long coasting service, as is known to both the assessors, and of. his conduct having been highly praiseworthy after the accident qq« curred, Idp not suspend the master's cer- > tificate.. lam further of opinion that the ~ chief officer's log was not so well kept as it ought to have been. No blame is thrown on the second officer or engineer. The captain is ordered to pay costs. I am advised by my assessors, and agree with 'them, that iron vessels should be swung at least once a year in Northern ports as well as Southern, on. account of the difference of latlitude, and the steamers should be provided with clocks of good quality, one for the captain's cabin, and one for the engine-room, and also with patent sounding apparatus." Captain Hannibal Marks and Mr Pascoe Marks, his son, have been dismissed from the Government service for the assault on Mr Edgcumbe, proprietor of the P.B. Times.