HARBOUR DISASTER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 76, 10 January 1928, Page 6

HARBOUR DISASTER

SUSPENSION OF THE PILOT. CLAIM AGAINST UNION COMPANY. (Per Press Association—Copyright.) SYDNEY, January 9. The Minister for Customs has announced on, behalf of the Federal and State authorities, who haye been cooperating since the Greycliffe disaster, that as a result of the finding of Mr Justice Campbell, that as the Tahiti was the overtaking vessel, she was solely to blame for the collision, the State Superintendent of Navigation has decided to suspend Captain Carson from duty for a breach of the.collision regulations, , and for exceeding the speed limit as laid down by the Sydney Harbour Trust regulations. With the approval of the ActingPremier, a charge will be laid under the pilotage regulations against Captain Carson by the State authorities, Carson being a State officer. The charge will not, however, bo heard until the Coroner has completed the inquest. . / '■ : - Mr iFratten added that the liability, if any, of the master and officers of the Tahiti was receiving careful consideration by the Federal authorities. The first writ in connection with the disaster has been issued by Mrs Lee Brown, widow of Dr. Lee Brown, against the Union Steam Ship Company, claiming £SOOO compensation for the less of her husband. The inquest on the victims of the Greycliffe disaster was resumed, but contrary to expectations neither Captain Carson nor Captain Barnes was .called. , Captain Hildebrand (Assistant-Har-bourmaster) gave evidence that men were stationed at points around the harbour to check the soeed of certain outgoing deep-sea- vessels about which the Harbour Trust had been suspicious, and when they were fopnd to be going at too great a speed the Harbour Trust cautioned those responsible. It was sometimes necessary to go- beyond a caution. Witness added that he had never received a report about the speed of the Tahiti.