WESTMORELAND'S MISHAP.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 164, 11 July 1919, Page 7

WESTMORELAND'S MISHAP.

NAUTICAL INQUIRY. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) LXVERCARGILL, Thursday. An inquiry into the Westmoreland mishap when leaving the Bluff on May 21 opened to-day, before Mr C'ruickshank. S.M., and* Captains Neville and cundstrum. Captain Cornwall deposed, that the pilot of the harbour took charge at 5.30 p.m., and had the assistance of a tug. When they were getting- into the stream the tug cast off, and the vessel went ahead slowly. Shortly after this the struck. The weather was equally, tut i'uc beacon lights were on view all the time. The grounding- and the order "full speed ahead" were simultaneous. After the vessel struck the "(veils were sounded, and the vessel was reported to be making water. When he found the water could be controlled the pilot was discharged, and the ship proceeded to Port Chalmers to dock. The telemetre had given trouble on occasions, but not more so than on other vessel?. He told the quartermaster not to put the helm over too quickly, so that it would not miss.. Further evidence was given as to the execution of an order given by the pilot before the vessel struck. After 13 minutes' retirement the assessors gave the decision that the quartermaster mistook the order, '" >top, port." intended for the engine-room, to be "Port helm/ causing the boat to strike. This was the only feasible explanation. Tie pilot was not to blame as the assessors did not think it advisable to take s%>s heavily loaded out at night. All certificates were returned.

Xo order was made as to costs. The Harbour Board was recommended to place a light on TJovey Bank.