THE HEADS COLLISION.

Evening Star, Issue 12943, 5 May 1908, Page 6

THE HEADS COLLISION.

THE COURT’S DECISION AGAINST JOSEPH CODDOL In the Magistrate’s Court this morning Mr C. C. Graham, S.M., delivered the decision of the Nautical Court (consisting of C. C. Graham, Esq., S.M., and Captains Forbes and Woebling, nautical assessors) respecting the collision between the defence steamer Lady Roberts and the Matakana, a motor fishing boat, on the night of April 18, in the Lower Harbor. The Court’s decision was as follows In reply to the questions stated in the notice of investigation into the circumstances connected with the collision between the oil launch Matakana and the steamer Lady Roberts in Otago Harbor on the 18th day of April, 1908, copy of which notice was duly served on the masters of the two vessels concerned respectively, we find : 1. That the motor launch Matakana carried no life buoys or belts whatever on the occasion referred to. 2. That the said motor launch had only one lantern on board, but it was not lit on the occasion referred to. 3. That Joseph Coddoi, the master of the said launch, was guilty of negligence in the navigation of the said launch, inasmuch as he entrusted the steering of the boat to one or more irresponsible persons, and did not keep a proper look-out. 4. That Henry Cashman was not guilty of negligence in the navigation of the said steamer on the 18th day of April, 1908. Further, that we consider the collision was solely due to an error of judgment on the part of the said Joseph Coddoi, who, when on finding his boat so close up to the Lady Roberts, being then on the starboard side of her, did not continue his course on that side, but suddenly ported his helm, went a-starboard, thus running right across the bows of the Lady Roberts when it was too close to avoid a collision, we being of opinion that if ho had continued on the ■ course he was steering he would have passed the Lady Roberts at a perfectly safe distance. We. consider that the said Joseph Coddoi is justly liable to pay the costs of this inquiry, but seeing that he is a poor man and has lost his boat, which is his sole means of livelihood, we leave this question to the favorable consideration of Government. We further desire to express our opinion that the regulations with regard to the carrying of lights should bo strictly enforced in future on all occasions. Mr J. F. M. Fraser (representing the Marine Department) : I understand that the Conrt find Joseph Coddoi justly liable for the costs, £l3? His Worship : Yes. Mr W. L. Hay (for Joseph Coddoi) : Considering the circumstances and tne fact that Coddoi is a poor man, the Court leave that question to the favorable consideration of the Government ? His Worship : That is so.