COLLISION OF SHIPS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 1, 26 September 1939, Page 10

COLLISION OF SHIPS

Caradale-Kakariki Case

DAMAGES ASSESSED

The final assessment of damages in connexion with the wreck of the steamer Kakariki has been made by the principal registrar of the High Court of Victoria. The steamers Caraclale and Kakariki collided near the Gellibrand Light, in Hobson’s Bay, on January 29. 1937. The Kakariki sank, with the loss of five lives. After litigation, Air. Justice Dixon, of tile High Court, decided in favour of the Union Steam Ship Co., owners of the Kakariki, and against James Patrick and Co., owners of the Cnradale. He referred the assessment of the damages to the principal registrar of the Court. Tlie registrar has decided that James Patrick ami Co. must pay £19,726 damages for loss of life and personal injuries, and for damages done to the Kakariki and her cargo. Of this, Mr. Davies assessed claims for loss of life and personal injuries at £5433, and damages for loss of the Kakariki and her cargo at £47.817, but, as the liability of James Patrick and Co.. Ltd., had been limited by the Court to £8 a ton of the ship’s tonnage, Mr. Davies held that the company should pay £14,292 net, of which £13,427 goes to the Union Steam Ship Co.. £757 to the consignors of the cargo, and £lO4 to members of the crew of tlie Kakariki as compensation for loss of personal effects.