STRANDED LAUNCH Fishermen’s Claim Against Navy

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30215, 21 August 1963, Page 16

STRANDED LAUNCH Fishermen’s Claim Against Navy

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, August 20. Adolphus Edward Cooper, a Whakataue fisherman, today told the Admiralty Division of the Supreme Court of the part his crew in the launch Roselyn played in the salvage of the Navy launch Mako in Whakataue harbour on November 17, 1961.

Cooper, as master and owner of the Roselyn, and Edward Ray Cooper, a milk factory employee, Neil Alexander Larsen, a mail hand, and David Anderson, a storeman, all of Whakatone, arc claiming £2500 from the Navy. Mr Justice Greeson is hearing the claim. Mr M. F. Chilwell is appearing for the plaintiffs, and Mr G. D Speight for the Navy Department. Cooper said in evidence that he had been told that the total value of the Make was £79.000 and that its replacement value was £96.000 He said he had a conference with the Naval authorities in Auckland as to what he should receive for his work and the sum of £ 160 was mentioned. As a result he took legal advice. To Mr Speight, Cooper said there were many days suitable for fishing when he did not go out He said conditions were rouih for fishing on November 17. He did not agree with a suggestion by Mr Speight that the sea was calm. Cooper said he understood he was not to take risks in whatever he did to assist the Mako. He was to do his best but it was up to him to decide whether to stop salvage work at any time during the operation. Cooper said that with the pounding the Mako was taking, “she could not have stood another tide.” “Apart from that, without the assistance of my boat 'o held her in position she would have turned broadside on in the breakers which were rolling in across the bar." he said The hearing will be continued tomorrow.