SHIPPING MISHAPS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 27 March 1922, Page 5

SHIPPING MISHAPS.

RESULTS OF ENQUIRIES,

(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION ) . WELLINGTON, Mar. 25. ' The findings of the Nautical Court regarding the recent collision between the Maori and the schooner Zita, and the stranding of the schooner Valmarie off Farewell Spit, were delivered at the Magistrate's Court to-day. With regard to the Maori and the Zita, the Court found that a good look-out was kept on both ships, but the low-lying haze around the Zita reduced the visibility of the side-lights. The chief officer of the Maori acted properly on sighting the Zita, but it would have been better had he indicated the change cf course by a signal on the whistle, and the cnief officer of the Zita acted properly, as he was not aware that the Maori had seen him. Both officers' certificates were returned and no order was made as to costs.

In the Valmarie case, the Court found the master had committed a slight error of judgment in standing too close to shore at Farewell Spit. Although his chart, which was a laic one, showed sufficient depth of water, the New Zealand pilot gave him notice that the sands were shifting. The master was commended for the steps he took to save the" vessel after she struck. The certificates of the master and mate were returned, and no order was made as to costs.

The Court desired that the attention of the Marine Department be drawn-to the evidence of constantly changing sands at the place, and that a -warning be given to shipmasters sailing in this locality.