CLAIM FOR £5000.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 19400, 28 August 1928, Page 10

CLAIM FOR £SOOO.

TOWING THE GALE TO WELLINGTON. -(*HM ABSOOUTIOS MUtOtOBAM.) WELLINGTON, August 27. The hearing of the claim by the Wanganui Harbour Board against the Canterbury Steam Ship Company for £SOOO as salvage due to plaintiffb for the use of their tug Kahanui in helping j tho coastal steamer Gale waß opened in the Supreme Court to-day before au Justice Sim. . On April 20th last the Gale was being towed to Wellington by the Ternwhiti. The tow line broke and the Gale, in a heavy sea and strong wind was drifting, it was alleged, on a lee shore and waß in considerable danger Of going aground amidst the breakers. Plaintiffs' tug, ordered by the chairman of the Board, went to the rescue and got a line aboard and towed the Gale to Wellington. Plaintiffs claimed that but for the help rendered the Gale would have gone ashore. The defence denied that there was any danger; or that the Gale asked for help. The anchors were holding and the sea moderating. Defendants had paid into Court £SOO upon terhiß that no liability was admitted for the payment of "salvage services and had offered to pay plaintiffs' costs. Evidence was given for plaintiffs by captains that the Gal© waa in great Singer. The captain of the Kahanm said the Gale seemed to fly a flag renlyine "Yes," to the offer for help, but it had since been found that it was not that flag. In his opinion, but for the Kahanui's aid the Gale would have 80 por & the defence it was stated witnesses would be called stahngftat the Gale's anchors were holding and that there was a spare one which could be used if necessary. The hearing was adjourned till tomorrow.