THE RONGA CASUALTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13192, 1 June 1906, Page 6

THE RONGA CASUALTY.

[BT telegraph.— ASSOCfATIOV.] • Christchurch, Thursday. At the magisterial inquiry held in connection with the capsize of the schooner Ronga., Thos. Tver, managing owner of the Ronga, said she had capsized twice previously in; Pelorous Sounds, and she was altered after the last accident. There were the captain, and- five men in the 'crew, which was one man above the minimum. The vessel was insured for £1000 with the New Zealand Insurance Company. He valued her at £2000. She cost £2-100 six years ago. He had never given instructions to;'" let the first consideration be speed.'' Thos. Major Lane, shipbuilder, at Totara North, stated that the firm of Lane and Brown built the Ronga. In his opinion the ship was certainly stable. The capsizi»£ of the Ronga in Pelorous Sounds was an accident that might, happen to anv similar vessel. His firm had built 84 vessels, and there had been only an average proportion of disasters. Captain Stewart, Willis. Llovd's register surveyor, stated that he righted the Ronga alter the second capsize, and under his directions the lower masts wore shortened oft each, and the sai'.s 6ft in vertical height. The alterations were carried out to his absolute satisfaction. He.had. the alterations made so as to render the vessel absolutely safe to his mind. He was strongly of the opinion that the plans of all vessels should first be submitted to a competent authority as regards stability and sail area. Under the present system practically no supervision existed for small vessels. His opinion was that when the Ronga left Lvttelton she was absolutely safe, provided her ballast was properly secured, and she was properly handled. Expert, witnesses. said that thenopinion was that the vessel was carrying too much sail at the time of the capsize, and broached to in the ga.'.e which was then blowing. They also stated, that the ballast was well trimmed, but that no shifting boards had been used. The magistrate said the decision of the Court would be given next Wednesday.