COLLISION AT SEA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8201, 26 July 1915, Page 3

COLLISION AT SEA.

INQUIRY AT AUCKLAND.

A CAPTAIN AND HIS REVOLVER

(Per Press Association)

AUCKLAND, July 24

At the inquiry to-day regarding the collision between the scow Combine and the barque Hazel Craig, off Whangarei Heads, on June 8, John Hudson, master of the , barque, stated that he was below when he heard an order to put the vessel about. He rushed on deck as the two vessels were colliding. He saw no light of any, kind on the scow, and drew the attention of the master of the scow to the Hazel Craig's lights. Cross-examined, witness said that he was perfectly cool, and his crew behaved very well.

Counsel: Why did you blaze . away with a revolver?

Witness: It was to call the scow's attention to the fact that they had collided with my boat. . ... ■

Counsel: Did you fire at him ? Witness: I-never fired at him.., I fired in tho air to draw his attention.

Witness admitted that he did swear at the master of the scow, and say that he deserved to be shot. It would have been possible for the impact to extinguish the scow's lights. laaae Corbett, master of the tug Waitangi, which was towing the Hazel Craig when the collision occurred, said that when he first saw the scow 20ft away he saw no light on her. Then he saw a light which appeared to be carried from port to starboard.