DISASTERS AT SEA.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 282, 17 November 1911, Page 5

DISASTERS AT SEA.

LOS>S OF THE MAC LEA Y

M ASTER BLA M ELESS

MARINE COURT FINDING

Sydney, Nov." 11

Judge Backhouse, with Captain Dakin and Taylor (assessors) heard further evidence yesterday respecting the loss of the coastal steamer Macleay, all but two of whose crew were drowned. After evidence had been given by Captain Spinks to the effect that the vessel’s coinpass had been adjusted on June 21, further particulars regarding the wreck were supplied by Charles Peterson, A.B.

Witnessed, examined by Air. Robison (Crown Law Office), said that amongst the vessel’s cargo on her last trip were some iron-bound casks. These had been placed on the deck, about 14ft. from the compass. After Morna Point was cleared, a course NNE. was steered, and while making in that direction, Port Stephens light was sighted at a distance of about three-quarters of a mile. At this point another vessel was seen, and the captain ordered that the Macleay should keep on a NE. course, so as to give the other vessel plenty l o f room. The instructions were closely observed, and a NE. course was followed. Afterwards the chief officer directed a N. by E. course, and this direction witness also followed. Some little time later witness saw something white ahead. He mentioned the fact to the mate, and said that it looked like breakers. The mate’s remark was, “It must be a school of fish." and witness rejoined. “I think it’s a school of rocks.” The mate then ordere'd the helm to be ported, and this instruction was also carried out, but too late, for a minute or two later lhe vessel struck and heeled over. The captain rushed up on deck and said to tiie mate. "‘What are you doing ' What is this ! But the mate did not answer. The captain followed his questions uj>. with the query. “What course have you been steering!” and to this the mate replied :

"Nor-nor’-east Witness then interposed. “It’s a lie. My course -’-as N. by E.” Tiie mate made another remark, and the captain said. “Why r.re you standing here, yon murderer Why don’t you attend to the Ffeboats .’’ The mate then went down from the bridge. a;id witness did. not see him again. Thirteen Loirs later witness was wash"*!

By bis Honor: Witness believed Fiat the Macleay strurk the southeast corner of Big Island. The Court found that the Macleay struck oil the south-east corner of Bit; Island, on the coast of New South Wales, on the night of Octo’■■py 11. i!HJ. while on a voyage front fSvctney to Clarence, via Newcastle, and bci-ame a total wreck. The vessel was well found and provided with necessary life-saving appliances. Die reather was fine, although dark : the wind fresh from the south-east : , nd the sea moderate. The evidence •lo'iits to trie mishaj) having been brought about by the mate’s altering tbe course after the vessel pass'd Po;t Stejihens lighthouse from NNE. to N. by E. The evidence of the principal witness. Peterson, was unsatisfactory, and in justice to the mate —a competent, steady officer, who was drowned —it should be added that if the Court could have heard his evidence it might have come to a different conclusion. It is perfectly dear that in no way was the master- who was also drowned- to blame. The Court deeply regrets the great loss of life, and wishes to express its sympathy with the rela- ' tives of those who perished.