NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 4012, 31 May 1884, Page 3

NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

Wellington, This day

I The enquiry into the loss of the steamer Kangaroo off Cape Campbell was resumed yesterday. Mr Shaw, Captain DybalPs counsel, explained that two witnesses whom he had intended to call for the defence could not give evidence because they wero not in town. Mr Shaw then proceeded to address the Court on the evidence already given. He contended that the Crown had failed to prove that his client was blameworthy, no evidence having been brought forward to show that the vessel was out of her course and that she had struck on a reef marked on the chart. Mr Izard, in reply, submitted that he had adduced evidence sufficient to make out a case against the captain of the steamer. He contended tiiat the present position of the vessel went to prove that at the time she struck she was not on the course laid down on the chart. The learned gentleman pointed out that masters of vessels frequently exposed their craft to danger by '' cutting corners'' in their desire to make good passages, and there was no doubt tho accident to the Kangaroo was due to that circumstance. He submitted that the Crown had proved neglect on thn part of the captain. The enquiry was adjourned, and judgment was delivered to-day. The Court found that tho steamer was much nearer shore when she struck than stated by Captain Dyball, and their opinion was formed by the course steered after striking, and also that the steamer is now further out than where she struck. The Court find that the Kangaroo struck on Bowler's Reef, and that the evidence had entirely failed to show any existence of danger off Cape Campbell, which was not marked on the Admiralty chart. They held Captain Dyball responsible for the accident by taking the steamer too close to the shore, and they suspended his certificate for three months, and ordered him to pay the costs of the

enquiry