THE DORSET MISHAP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17041, 24 December 1918, Page 6

THE DORSET MISHAP.

NO INQUIRY TO BE HELD. [UT TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Monday. The Marine Department has decided not to hold a magisterial inquiry into the circumstances attending the stranding of the Dorset.

QUESTION OF PILOTAGE. At the last meeting of tho Wellington Harbour Board, the chairman, Mr. C. E. Daniel!, mado complimentary reference to the good work which had been dono by the harbourmaster, Captain Dawson, in connection with tho refloating of the steamer Dorset from Hope Shoal. ' A letter had been received from Mr. W. Wallis, representing the Federal, Houlder and Shirt) Line, which read as follows — "Wo desire to place on record our appreciation of the services rendered us by the harbourmaster. Captain Dawson, in* connection with the refloating of the Dorset, The whole of the time the steamer was aground Captain Dawson willingly gave both ourselves and tho master every assistance at all hours of the day and night, and we would like to convey'our thanks to him."

Mr. J. A. McEwan wished tho chairman to state what was the position regarding pilotage in the. case of vessels such as tho Dorset.

The chairman said that masters had the right to come into the harbour without a pilot at their own risk, but had no right to come alongside tho wharf without ono I hey could always signal if they wanted a pilot. In this case the master of the steamer had visited the port before and had come in without a pilot.