NAPIER HARBOUR TRAGEDY

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 31 January 1933, Page 5

NAPIER HARBOUR TRAGEDY

CONCLUSION OF INQUIRY. HELMSMAN DECLARED SOBER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NAPIER, Jan. 20. The marine inquiry into the disaster at the entrance of the inner harbour on December 28,' when ten men were drowned in a collision between their launch Doris and the Tu Atu, was concluded to-day before. Mr. A M. Mowlem, S.M., with Captain J. \Y. Holmes and Captain L. C. H. Wor-t-all as marine assessors.

Medical and other evidence wargiven to the effect that Mentzer, helmsman of the launch Doris, was not under the influence of liqu'or on the cay or night of the tragedy. Evidence of Mentzer’s sobrietv > v a> given by several witnesses, including Dr. D. W. Fitzgerald, who said he saw Mentzer after he was brought, ashore, when there was nothing in bus condition to ■ attract attention. - lhe witness considered Mentzer was perfectly sober. Mentzer was recalled and iurtner questioned, following which counsel representing various interests addressed the court. Mr. Mowlem intimated the court would be ready to give its decision oh Wednesday morning.