LKOSS OF THE AORERE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17491, 8 June 1920, Page 6

LKOSS OF THE AORERE.

NAUTICAL COURT'S FINDING.

CONTRIBUTORY CAUSES.

AN ERROR OF 'JUDGMENT.

[BY TSLfiGRJMt.—OWX CORRESPONDENT.]

WANGANUI, Monday

The court of inquiry into the wrek of J the coastal steamer Aorere gave its finding | to-day. The questions put to it were reviewed at length, and the court held that with regard to the state of the weather and sea it was such that justified the captain in leaving Blenheim, for it was setae time after leaving Jackson's Head when the condition changed. With regard to the seaworthiness of the vessel, the court said that the ship Had just been "overhauled before leaving Wanganui. It leaked a little after being put back into the river, but.in the opinion of the court that was, nothing eerious, as it was the •usual thing for wooden vessels after having been on the slip, lhere did noli seem to be the least doubt that on the trip down to Blenheim the Aorere was seaworthy. Discussing the bump on the bar at Waiiau the court said that this was not considered serious'. Tie vessel bumped and made water, but took up again, On leaving Blenheim she jot so far" as Jackson's "Head without untoward incident. After leaving that pint heavy westerly weather was struck, and in the courts opinion th 0 vess J, being an old one, opened out and became in a leaky w>r dition. The main engine bilge get chohxJ through coal dust, and the water got- ttfe. the bunkers. The court expressed the opinion *a* the captain in continuing on his course had committed an error of judgment. The trouble developed about midnight, and the court considered that the captain should have run either for- Kapiti or for Queen Charlotte Sound. Kapiti was the nearest and best shelter, and the Aorero could have made it running before- the wind. There was no reason why fine cculd not have returned to Queen 'Charlotte Sound. The court considered that one of the causes* of the casualty was the pump not being properly fitted with a protection sufficient to keep out coal dust The answer to the 4" rd question was that the coal supplies, were adequate, but the ' pump should have been fitted with a proper cover. The court considered! that there were three causes of the casualty—(l) The vessel getting into a lenity condition by working loose in heavy weaiher. (2) The pump not being fitted with a proper cover. (3) The captain committed an error of 1 judgment in not seeking shelter either at Kapiti or in Queen Charlotte Sound. With regard to the last question, the, court found that ether than the captain's error of judgment, there was no negligence or incompetence on his part, or of those on the ship, who had worked strenuously to savo the vessel. The putting of the vessel ashore was necessary in the interests of the lives of the crew. The court made no order as to costs, and returned the master his certificate.