ALMOST COLLIDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 22, 27 January 1936, Page 15

ALMOST COLLIDED.

WHAKATANE BAR DANGER. NEW REGULATION BROUGHT IN. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHAKATANE, Saturday. The danger of vessels crossing each other when working the Whakatane entrance was emphasised by the manager of the Northern Shipping Company in a letter received by the Harbour Board yesterday, when he complained that on November 25 last, while the Otimai was drawing seven feet of water crossing the bar, the small scow Lena Gladys crossed and very nearly caused a collision. In view of the narrowness of the channel the managar suggested that small boats should be prohibited from working the bar at the same time as it is being negotiated by larger vessels. The harbourmaster, reporting on the incident, stated that the smaller vessel was at fault, as it was its duty to remain outside until the outgoing ship was clear. Had he been on duty he would have kept the Lena Gladys out until the outgoing vessel was all clear. The chairman stated at yesterday's meeting of the board that, in consequence of the incident, he had taken up the question with representatives of the company and the board's officials, and it had been decided to alter methods in connection with the entry of vessels to the port. It was pointed out by the captain of tho Otimai that the vessels met in the narrows, and his vessel could have been seen by the smaller vessel outside. Notice was consequently given to the harbourmaster to tho effect that the signal station would be discontinued on April 30 and tho flagstaff removed at a later date. The vessel should, not move inwards until information was received from the Harbour Board's launch, which would meet such vessels outside the entrance. The harbourmaster also asked to work under the new arrangement as from May 1, and to discontinue the system of signalling. Either he or the local manager of the Northern' Steam Shipping Company was to be on duty when vessels were working the port to give the required assistance in the event of trouble. >