COLLISION IN HARBOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18641, 23 February 1924, Page 10

COLLISION IN HARBOUR.

THE WELLINGTON FATALITY. FERRY CAPTAIN'S STORY. LAUNCH OWNER'S EVIDENCE. [by TELEGRAPH.— association. WELLINGTON, Friday. The inquest into the death of Mary B. McArthur, who, with another young woman, lost her -life as the result of a collision between a launch and the harbour ferry steamer Cobar, was resumed today. A witness stated that the only light on the deck of the launch was the hurricane lamp. . Mrs. Day said there was no liquor on the launch or at her house, where the party had met. F. Williams (owner of the launch), who was at the wheel, stated that the night was calm, and the visibility fairly good. After the collision the Cobar continued ahead, then turned > and returned to the spot where the collision occurred. Someone called to her to go astern, but she did not. Cross-examined, witness said he had been at sea, and had a master's and an engineer's certificate for boats of six tons. Ralph Noble Dodsworth (captain of the Cobar) said the night was very dark, but very clear. The first thing he noticed was a woman's scream. He thought it came from one of his passengers, and went on. Then he heard (i scream from tha water, and immediately ordered full speed astern. At that moment ho saw the launch, which was lit up by the Cobar's lights. It appeared coming across the Cobar's course. A few seconds later a collision occurred. His engines had stopped before the launch could foul his propeller. He never heard anyone call to him to launch a boat. A passenger aboard volunteered to man a boat, but he did not answer, as he was told the launch was all right. Nothing was Bftid about rules. • The coroner returned % verdict that the deceased, Mary McArthur, died from injuries to her head, accidentally received through falling from the launch Mavis into the harbour, as a result of a collision with the Cobar.