EVIDENCE OF CAPTAIN

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 14301, 26 February 1947, Page 6

EVIDENCE OF CAPTAIN

wANGAXMI JjA 1N QUIRY CHARTS AND HARBOUR LIGHTS P A. Wellington, Tuesday. Variations in longitude on the Admliralty charts covering the Port Nicholson area, an error of eight degrees in the ship’s magnetic compasses, and difficulties experienced in the recognition of navigation lights at the entrance to the port were described to-day by the commander of the Wanganella, Captain Robert Darrocii, at the marine inquiry into the stranding of the liner on Barrett’s Reef on January 19. At least 14 witnesses, of whom five were called to-day, are to be heard. The Court consists of Mr A. M. Colliding, with Captain J. Rankine and Captain A. T. Norton as nautical assessors. They are required to answer three questions: (1) What was the cause of the casualty? (2) Was the casualty caused or contributed to by the wrongful act or default of the master or any of his officers or crew? (3) Was the vessel navigated with due care on approaching Port Nicholson harbour?

The evidence was led by Dr N. A. Foden on behalf of the Marine Department. Mr C. A. L. Treadwell appeared for Captain Darroch, Mr G. G, Watson for the Huddart Parker Company, and M,r J. P. B. Stevenson for the Wellington Harbour Board. Instructed by ’the Merchant Service Guild, Dr O. C. Mazengarb represented the interests of deck officers of the ship who might be affected by the inquiry. Many members of the crew, with the federal secretary of the s Australian Seamen’s Union, Mr E. Y. Elliott, were in the body of the Court. The inquiry is continuing.