THE APPROACHES TO AUCKLAND HARBOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13722, 11 April 1908, Page 4

THE APPROACHES TO AUCKLAND HARBOUR.

Sir,— Heading in the columns of your valuable paper, I note Captain Stevens' remarks and suggestions with reference to the neglect of small craft to exhibit the prescribed lights for safe navigation in the approaches to and surroundings- of. Auckland Harbour. Judging Jr.Hi! tiio many recent collisions from the 'i'.ffbiri passage to Queen-street Wharf, I am of opinion .that it is time the Marine Department took steps to avert these collisions, whi.jfo. are often due, in my opinion, to want of knowledge of the rule of the road on the part of the masters of the coastal service. There are a great many masters of sailing vessels and steamers engaged'in the coastal trade who have no certified ability whatever, just a servitude certificate, and as Auckland shipping is rapidly growing, 1 suggest the following: That all persons in charge of vessels who have no Board of Trade certificate be called upon first to pass the eyesight test; : secondary, to be examined in the rule of the road, and navigation of a vessel when off the coast. The foregoing is only fair to the foreign-going masters and officers of vessels when approaching Auckland by nigh*-, z Geo. Duncan, Extra Master.