WRECK OF CYRENA

Grey River Argus, 22 June 1925, Page 5

WRECK OF CYRENA

THE SHIP’S LOG. NOT SATISFACTORY TO COURT. WANGANUI, June 20. The Magistrate made the following statement during the Cyrena enquirq to day:—“lf the oral evidence of Captain Paterson and his officers is to *bc accepted, and we do not wish we do not accept it, it may be considered proved that the ship 's draught -was approximately sixteen feet six inches. We are of the opinion that this evidence should be supported by documentary evidence in the ship’s logs in a form that would put it beyond doubht. On this point, we are of the opinion that these records are not satisfactory, a'nd show some evidence of slackness. The log books have not followed the instructions, and do not give the help that they should. THE LOG BOCK DEFECTS. LATER. The inquiry into the Cyrena wreck was continued on Saturday. Considerable discussion took place on the speculation as to whether the rv was drawing- more than 16 feet six inches, and as to whether this, rather than a shortage of water, was responsible for the grounding. After consulting the assessors, the Magistrate made the telegraphed statement, and also referred to the printed instructions in the log. A clause read: “Scrap logs are always looked upon by judges and arbitrators in a case of litigation or arbitration as of the highest importan-ce. The entries therein should be brief, but accurate as to time and order.” Continuing, His Worship said: “The log books have not followed these instructions, and, therefore, they do not give the help that they should. Further, the production of an accurate line and records of the evidence taken after the grounding would have afforded proof that the stranding was due to a shortage) of water, and not to an excess of draught. As the case now stands, the evidence on this point is not sat si factory, and tends to doubt on the point.”