THE KARORI MISHAP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1705, 19 December 1919, Page 5

THE KARORI MISHAP.

MAGISTERIAL ENQUIRY,

Per Press Association

DUNEDIN, Dec. 18. Tho Magisterial, enquiry into the mishap to tho 6teamer Karori in Otago harbour was opened today before Mr H. K; Widdowson, S.M., and Capts. Manning and McArthur, • assessors. The master of tho Karori (Capt. Hopkins) stated that the vessel took a sheer towards the rocky ledge. Ships took sheors from tidal effects, and being in tho midtllti of the channel ho was prepared' for such a thing happening, but tho margin of safety was so small that by tho time he got tho helm on the damage was done. The ship had hot time to answer her helm. Thero -was no mention of hugging Government Island. Matthew Robertson, chief ongineor, said that tho vessel was steering quite woll. C'apt. llapkins hod taken more precautions in reference to tho steering of his ship than any other captain lie had served under. 11. L. P. Brown, chief officer, said that he noticed the bow sheer to port and felt a bump. Ho had no idea fyhat caused the sheer.

Capt. Thomson, harbour master, said ho j would have approached the passage as Capt. 1 Hopkins had done, but he might have kept \ a. little more towards Goat Island where j tho water was deeper. Similar accidents had < happened thoro. H