WAIMAKARIRI HARBOUR BOARD.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8737, 8 March 1894, Page 6

WAIMAKARIRI HARBOUR BOARD.

An adjourned meeting of the Waimakariri Harbour Board was held; at the Kaiapoi Municipal Chamber on Tuesday evening. Present—Messrs Lissaman (chairman), Feldwick, Evans, Parnham, Butt, Hiatt, Hopkius, and HorrelL A letter was received from Captain Featherstone, ketch Kestrel, saying on February 4th he arrived with his vessel off the bar, and was surprised to see the signal up " Put to sea." There was a commanding breeze, and the bar was good. He saw no reason for the signal. The Kestrel was drawing 6fc 2in, whic,h he had signalled. He had to feel his way in, and followed the Rock Lily. There were no tidal signals given, and he did not see one of 4he leading beacons. The signalman's reply to this was that there was £ strong fresh in the river and only a light wind iusicie, and as owners ot vessels had requested him to be careful he gave the signal to the vessel" Put to sea." The pole of the beacon, said hot to have been seen, was up, but there was a peculiar light, which might have rendered it invisible from the vessels. The wind was S.W. Captain Featherston, who was present, in reply to members, said he had no difficulty in crossing. The fresh wasgoingout at five or six knots, the wind was from six to ten knots.' He used his Judgment always in crossing the bar, but he would be guided by the beacons if he thought them correct, and the semaphore as directing him. To the Signalman—lt might not be necessary to give tidal signals after putting up " Put to sea." Did not think he would have crossed had he known there was such a heavy fresh. The signalman was right in putting up t> signal " Put to sea " if he saw the fresh was. strong and wind light, but he should have given "Bar dangerous," and he would not have attempted to cross. Subsequently Captain Featherston said he did not think it was necessary to put np tidal signals after signalling " Put to sea." The beacons and staking of the river were bow in good order. ' At this stage it was decided to adjourn until Monday in order to obtain the evidence of Captain Johnston, of the Bock Lily. - |