NEED FOR FOG SIGNALS

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1936, Page 4

NEED FOR FOG SIGNALS

WAIHINE FINDING. SUPPORTS CAPTAIN’S CONTENTIONS. WELLINGTON, August 6. The necessity for some form of fog signals in Wellington harbour, ia stressed by the Court of Inquiry which inquired into the accident to the Wahine at Wellington. The report of the Court, which consisted of Mr Alosley, S.AL. and Captains J. G. Watson and .1. AltHvson was released by the Alinister of Alarine, Hon. P. Fraser. to-day. Thc report reads:—“Arising our of the inquiry into the mishap to the Wahine, we gave serious consideration to the evidence placed before the Court on behalf of AVellington Harbour Board, and. while w e appreciate to the utmost the point- of view and due weight that must, be given to the views of the men whose duties make them familiar with th e conditions at the wharves, we are of opinion that an adequate fog signal at both Point Jerningham and the. outermost wharf would be of valuable assistance. These two points would mark, as it wore, the outer line or points defining the inner basin, within which th e utmost caution should be observed in. navgation when visibility is not- normal. lit is our unanimous opinion that, had there been a warning bell or other device of adequate power on Pipitoa wharf on the morning pf the casualty, it would not have happened. We were given to understand at the hear ng that recommendations for the installation of fog signals within the harbour had been made bv nt least tvo nautical courts of inquiry.” Th-a opinion of the Court is to be forwarded to the Harbour BPard by the Alinister.