A HARBOUR COLLISION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9188, 13 April 1910, Page 3

A HARBOUR COLLISION.

CHARGES AGAINST A SKIPPER.

fPER jfKES3 ASSOCIATION.) < WELLINGTON, April 12. The inquiry into the recent collision in Wellington Harbour between the ferry steamers Duchess and Cobar was continued to-day, and was not concluded when the Court row. Howard Collins, who was a, passenger on the Duchess, %iid that from the manner in*, which Captain Jones addressed the people on the deck he came to the conclusion that he was under the influence of liquor. Mr Gray: Have, you ever heard it said that Captain Jones has got a peculiar manner ? Witness: Yes; he is somewhat rough in appearance and conversation. * Mr.Gray: Have you heard that?.. Witness: Yes. TJje witness added that his impression that Captain Jones was drunk may have been caused merely by.his peculiar man-

nor. Robert Li Button gave it as his opinion that Captain Jones was under the influence of liquor on the trip. He was sorry to say it, but it was his honest conviction. Have you any doubt in your mind about it? .Witness: Not the least doubt- He hau difficulty in articulating clearly. What about hi& gait? Witness: "He was rolling about tlio deck. You are making allowance for the roll of the ship ? Witness: Oh, yes. You have no personal grudge against Captain Jones? Witness : No, I have not; and I shoulc' like very much not to have to bo here. To Mr Gray: Captain Jones's walk was certainly a rolling one that night, but as a general , thing he did not waliv that way., His rolling gait could not have been-' caused by the motion of the ship. Mr Gray: Will you not give him the benefit of the doubt? Witness: I think that there was no doubt. Mr Gray: Did you think he was competent to be in charge of the ship ? Witness: No, I do not think ho was. The President: Did you call at Rona Bay ? Witness: Yes. The President: And made fast at the wharf all right'? Witness: Yes.