THE AUCKLAND STEAMER COLLISION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 35, 10 February 1906, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND STEAMER COLLISION.

CAPTAIN SOUTHGATE ON TRIAL.

[press association.]

AUCKLAND, Feb. 9. The trial of William James Southgate, master of the Kapanui, which sank in the harbor in collision with the Claymore on the night of December 23rd, upon a charge of manslaughter in connection with the deaths of three victims, was commenced before Mr Justice Edwards.

The evidence for vthe Crown was to the effect that Captain Southgate committed a breach of the regulations in going to starboard, all the witnesses holding that he should have kept his course and passed the Claymore green to green. . They said that had they been in Captain Southgate's position, they would not, under any circumstances, have crossed the Claymore's bow.

The witnesses, with the exception of Captain Fleming, Superintendent of Mercantile Marine, all held that the Auckland harbor did not come within the meaning of regulation 25 relating to a narrow channel.

Mr Martin, for the defence, pointed - out that Captain Southgate had acted for the best, and asked if the jury; were going- to convict him for manslaughter tor what was really an error of judgment.'