THE WRECK OF THE – MURATAI.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13151, 25 June 1908, Page 8

THE WRECK OF THE - MURATAI.

FINDING OF THE COURT. (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, June 24. The Nautical Court of Enquiry, consisting of Mr Kettle, S.M., and Captains Reid and Crawford, this afternoon gave its finding as a result of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the -wreck of the steamship Muratai, owned by the Northern Steam Ship Company, on tho Hea aud Chickens group of islands on May 27th. Having regard to tho whole circumstances Mr Kettle said the Court were of opinion that the wreck could not bo attributed to the compass. Further, they were of opinion that the captain should have gaven instructions to bo called when rounding Tutukaka, knowing the second officer was not experienced. The second rr.at-o did not comply with tho regulations, and should have slackened his speed, or stopped the vessel altogether before running into the thick log. The Court found , tho second mate guilty of culpable neglect and) breach of the regulations. They ordered that his certificate be suspended for twelve months, and that he pay half the cost of the enquiry. The captain would be ordered to* pay the other "half of the costs. The Court would not.deal with the captain's certificate, as ho was a careful and experienced seaman, but the Court considered that he should have been on the bridge when Tutukaka was rounded.