THE AUCKLAND HARBOR COLLISON.

North Otago Times, 13 January 1906, Page 2

THE AUCKLAND HARBOR COLLISON.

I3y Telegraph. Auckland, January 12. At the inquiry in connection with the Kapanui-Claymore collision in Auckland harbor, a portion of the morning's sittings was occupied in hearing evidence, and then the members of the bar present addressed the Court on various legal points and matters brought out by the evidence. The main questions discussed wore whether cither or both captains had shown negligence -in navigation; whether or not 'Auckland harbor could bo held to be a narrow channel within the meaning of collision regulations, aiid a sufficiency or otherwise of the scale in vogue of manning small steamers. The Court gave a fairly clear indication oi its opinion on certain points to Urn cltcct that the harbor regulations fixing the courses for vessels altering or leaving the harbor and certain speed limits should be made by the Harbor llnaiu, and that, considering, all 'he circumstances, the speed of the two vessels was not immoderate. During his address Mr Tole referred to the standard of manning allowed by law lor such vessels, and urged that the Court should direct the Legislature's attention to the need of raising that standard. His Worship replied that the Legislature had gone exhaustively into this question, and decided in favor of the law as it now stood. What influence therefore would a suggestion of the Court have on the matter? Mr Tole said the laws were not .infallible. After hearing counsel for the respective interests concerned the Court intimated that its decision would be given next Tuesday.