SEQUEL TO COLLISION

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 207, 29 May 1936, Page 2

SEQUEL TO COLLISION

Launch and Yacht in Kenepuru Sound CLAIM AND COUNTER-CLAIM By Telegraph—Press Association. Blenheim, May 28. While on a holiday cruise in Marlborough Sounds the well-known Wellington yacht Nanette was involved In a dramatic night collision with a settler's launch in mid-sound. Badly holed by the impact, the Nanette sank like a stone in a matter of minutes alter the party aboard her had scrambled to safety on the launch. The accident occurred in' Kenepuru Sound, when both the yacht and the launch were bound for Te Mahia holiday resort. The Nanette was subsequently raised and repaired. As a sequel to the collision, which happened on December 30, civil action was- taken in the Magistrate's Court. Pictop, to-day, when J. C. Madderver. clerk, of Wellington, owner of the Nanette, claimed £176 damages from Orchard Bros., launch proprietors. Kcnepuru Sound, alleging negligence in the navigation of their launch Wbareata. which hit the Nanette when travelling at about 9 m.p.b.

Plaintiff contended that defendants had been negligent first in failing to keep or cause to be kept sufficient look-out; secondly, iu failing to observe the Nanette and alter the course to avoid a collision; and, thirdly, failing to keep their vessel uiider proper control having regard to the likely presence of other craft in the vicinity. The allegations were denied by defendants, who counter-claimed for £42 10/- for work dune allegedly at the request of plaintiff. After lengthy evidence the magistrate reserved decision.