RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPTAINS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 449, 6 March 1909, Page 6

RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPTAINS.

STATEMENT BY Sill JAMES MILLS. (BI TELEQBAI'n—ritUSS ASSOCIATION.) Duncdin, March 5. In consequence of the wreck of the Pencuiu and the ovidcuce submitted at the inquiry into tho circumstances surrounding the same, some suggestions have, been made that somo shipmasters may bo inclined to tako risks which might endanger the ships and pnsseugors m the constantly growine"anxiety to make a fast passage. Sir \ Jaa Mills/in conversation with a reporter, dollied emphatically the suggestion that mastori must adhcro rigidly to tho timo-tablo at any risk Ho said when a man was put in charge of ft ship every confidence- was placed hi hfin. and ho was absolutely untrammelled a" regards the navigation and management of the vessel. Every master on appo.nt.uont received a special letter from he head office of tho company impressing on him the necessßγ for tile exercise of the greatest eoro, skill, and tact in carrying out tho responsible duties attaching to the position of commander of a ship. The safety of lives and nonerty must to tho first consideration under all circumstances. "Whonovcr, , ' continued Sir James, "a master receives transfor or promotion a letter couched in similar terms is sent to him, in which ho is urged to caro for tho safety of thoso on board the ship." ■■