SHIFTING CASUALTIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16741, 23 December 1914, Page 4

SHIFTING CASUALTIES.

ENQUIRY INTO STEAMER STRANDING. [Pee Press Association.] NAPIER, December 22; The Magisterial inquiry into tht stranding of the Koutounui at Oreta Point found that the course set by the mate was too fine, and that the captain committed an error of judgment, in not putting to sea instead of continuing on tho course. ‘ The Court found that all had behaved with skill and courage, and in view, of this decided that neither officers’ certificates be dealt with, the captain ;to pay £6 16s 6d, costs of the inquiry. SCOW IN A GALE. THE HAERE’S STORMY FORTNIGHT. [Per Press Association.] GISBORNE, December 22; Last night the scow Haere. fourteen days out from Wellington for Auckland, was towed into port. She was thrice blown off the coast about 100 miles, and lost several sails. Captain Eaddy reported that he left Wellington on December 8, and experienced a heavy westerly gale off the' Kidnappers. On the following day the mainsail carried away. Favourable weather on December 10 enabled the sails to be repaired under shelter of Alahia. On putting to sea again, a succession of heavy gales was experienced, the scow being blown about 100 miles north-east of the East Cape. Being in ballast, tho Haere was severe* ly buffeted. On December 13 she caught a glimpse of East Cape, but again the gale drove the scow ninety miles eastward of the mainland, and it was not until December 19 that she succeeded in beating hack. Since Saturday, the Haere made three unsuccessful attempts to proceed north, and was unable to obtain anchorages along the coast. Sheentered Tolago Bay yesterday, hut was blown out and lost another mainsail. On this occasion she narrowly missed going ashore. . . After urgent: signals, the scow secured a tug last night, and was towed, to Gisborne, where she is now repairing, her sails.