THE ULIMAROAAND OTAGO HARBOUR.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 467, 27 March 1909, Page 10

THE ULIMAROAAND OTAGO HARBOUR.

CHANNEL NEARLY "SEALED UP."(BY TKMSGRAr-U—SPECIAL COKIIESI'ONDENT.) Duncdln, March 25. Comment was made at to-day's mealing of the Harbour Hoard en tljo grounding ot the Ulimaroa. recently Mr. Belcher asked: Has any official inquiry been held into the grounding of tlio Ulimaroa in Otago Harbour P If so, wheic, and what was the result of tho inquiry? Does tho Otago Harbour Board contemplate holding a Departmental inquiry as to tho causos of tho grounding of tho vessel? Tho chairman replied that a telegram had been received from tho Under-Secretary of Marino stating that, from tho evidence elicited at the preliminary inquiry, tho accident appeared to liavo been caused by the vessel trying to navigate tlio narrow channel in a strong tide, and with a strong S.W. wind blowing. The telegram added that a Magisterial inquiry did not appear necessary. Tho chairman added that, seeing that considerable injury had been dono to tho reputation of the port of Otago by the occurrence, tlio s.imo publicity should have been given to the inquiry into tho circumstances as was ; givcn to tho circumstance itself. Ho thought also that tlio inquiry should have been held in Duncdin, and not in Wellington. It was very strange that this should all havo been dono in such a particularly quiet manner. As to tho second question, it was a matter for tho board to decide Whether further action should bo taken. He thought that tho board would bo justified in holding an inquiry, and calling on tho master of tho Ulimaroa to show cause why his . exemption certificate fcr Otago Harbour should, not. bo dealt with by the board. ", . Mr. Belcher said that when tho Ulimaroa grounded, only a little moro pressure on her bottom plates was required to causo her to sink then and there. It was a matter of luck that tho channel up to Duncdin, wharves was not blacked by tho Ulimaroa. On Mr Rattray's motion it was decided, "That the committeo inquire from tho board's officers tho conditions under which tho accident happened te tho Ulimaroa, and obtain also a copy of tho evidence taken at tho preliminary inquiry held ' at Christchurch, and to report to tho board who. ther, in the opinion of tho committee, fur. thor action should bo taken in tho board's interests." . . . It was also decided to appoint a committee with, power to frame regulations to govern tho navigation of tho harbour, and to deal with pilot exemption certificates where careless navigation is proved.