CAPTAIN SHARPLY REPUDIATES STATEMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 February 1947, Page 6

CAPTAIN SHARPLY REPUDIATES STATEMENT

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The published statement attributed to Mr. E. V. Elliott, of Sydney, federal secretary of the Australian Seamen’s Union, alleging that because of the negligence of the officials aboard the Wanganella on the previous night, the ship was grievously endangered during last Saturday morning’s storm, was sharply repudiated by the master of the liner, Captain P. Darrock today. “The statement is definitely incorrect,”' he said. “The Wanganella was moored at Aotea Quay to the Harbour Board’s instructions. There was no question of negligence.” Captain Darroch said the appearance of such a charge was regrettable. The Wanganella was not the only ship endangered during the tempest and in the case of a liner near the Wanganella emergency work on the lines had been required because of the severe conditions and the surge in the harbour. Ample provision had been made to secure the Wanganella. Captain G. McDonald, marine surveyor for the Huddart Parker Line, and Mr. D. E. Eadie, of Sydney, marine superintendent of the company, confirmed Captain Darroch’s statement. The seamen who were involved in the strike when the Wanganella was moved to the dock are still aboard. No arrangements have been made for their return to Australia and there is a possibility that several of-them will be required to give evidence before the magisterial inquiry opening on Tuesday.