ACCIDENTS ON WHARVES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4876, 23 May 1918, Page 5

ACCIDENTS ON WHARVES.

THE COMMISSION’S INQUIRIES

Press Association Telegram

~... WELLINGTON, Ma v 22. Ilie Commission of Inquiry into accidents on wharves commenced its Sittings here today. Peter Peterson marine superintendent of the Richardson Company, Napier, stated that he knew of no accidents in the past two years in Wellington or Napier due to defective gear, and he considered that present inspectors “were over the mark.” He did not know of victimisation of men for exposing defects. The annual inspection cn small vessels was very strict, and the Government inspector had the right to stop work if he thought a winch or gear defective. Robert Storey Walton, a master mariner and local marine superintendent for the Union Company, said there was an annual inspection of gear and constant- supervision in various ways. The men themselves were frequently overhauling the gear. Witness did not know of any cases of slings carrying away. F'arnk Jelley, superintendent of stevedores for the New Zealand Shipping Company, said that in the last two years he knew of no accidents to any of the men through defective gear. Reports of detective gear were welcomed, but in many cases the complaints were trivial.

John Carrie, labor foreman for the Union Company said inspectors were ver v particular. Questioned as to the lighting of holds, witness replied that he was sorry to say holds were not sufficiently lighted and the wharves were worse. He expressed the opinion that a brake was needed on the winches.

Matthew Barr, foreman engineer for the Uni' n Company, said he found the winches on t-lie hulks in good order. Asked if he thought that if the inspection of machinery was under one head—sav, the Marine Department —it would be better for all concerned, witness said no; be didn’t see it would. The Commission adjourned till tomorrow.