COLLISION AT SEA.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20256, 27 July 1937, Page 7

COLLISION AT SEA.

FINDING OF HIGH COURT. HEAVY DAMAGES CLAIMED. NAVIGATORS OFF THEIR GUARD. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. MELBOURNE, July 26. In giving judgment in the Admiralty jurisdiction of the High Court to-day Mr. Justice Dixon found that the steamer Caradale was blameworthy for the collision in Port Phillip Bay on January 29 whicii resulted in the sinking of the Union Steam Ship Company’s steamer Kakarlki. The Union Company’s claim for heavy damages in the Admiralty Court will now be referred to the Registrar of the High Court for the assessment of damages.

Mr. Justice Dixon said that those navigating the Caradale were off their guard at a critical time and fell into excitement and confusion. He thought a mistake was made by the master of the Caradale in putting the helm hard to starboard. He saw that the Kakariki had gone to port and, If he too had ported his helm, the collision would not have occurred.

The Judgment reverses the finding of the Marine Court, which held the Kakarlki to blame. I-t is yet to be decided whether the judgment will take the form of a personal judgment against the owners or against the Caradale and her cargo. His Honour dismissed the counterclaim by the owners of the Caradale. A stay of proceedings for a month was granted.