HARBOUR FOG SIGNALS

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 August 1936, Page 5

HARBOUR FOG SIGNALS

INQUIRY COURT’S REPORT. [l‘EB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] I WELLINGTON, August 6. The necessity for some form qf fog sigmils in the Wellington harbour is emphasised by the Court of Enquiry which enquired into the accident to the Wnhine at Wellington. The report of the court, which consisted of Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., and Captains J. G. Watson and J. Mawson, was released by the Minister for Marine, Hon. P. Fraser, to-day. “Arising out of the enquiry into the mishap to the Wahine, we have given serious consideration to the evidence, placed before the court on behalf of the Wellington Harbour Board.” states the report, “and while we appreciate to the utmost that point of view and the due weight that must be given to the views of men whose duties make them familiar with the conditions at the wharves, we are of the opinion that adequate fog signals at both Point Jerningharn and the outermost wharf would be of valuable assistance. These two points would mark, as it were the outer line orj points defining the inner basin, with-j in which the utmost caution should he'

observed in navigation when visibility is not normal. It is our unanimous opinion that if there had been a warning bell or other device of adequate power on Pipitea wharf on the morning of the accident, it would not have happened. We were given to understand at the hearing that recommendations for the installation of ( fog signals within the barlxiitr have ( been made by at least, two nautical- , Courts of Enquiry.’’ j The opinion of the court is to be j forwarded to the Harbour Board by 1 the Minister for Marine.