FULL EXPLANATION NEEDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22909, 11 December 1937, Page 14

FULL EXPLANATION NEEDED

Public uneasiness at some of the facts disclosed at the inquest into the recent .drowning of three naval ratings will be heightened by the definite statement ,by the harbourmaster, Captain H. H. Sergeant, as published this morning. He says he transmitted a message about the capsize of the naval galley off Karaka Bay at 2.30 p.m. on the fatal day, September 30, and two subsequent messages by 3.30 p.m. Giving evidence at the inqiiest, LieutenantCommander F. B. Lloyd said the first news of the capsize was received from the harbourmaster between 3.30 p.m. and 3.45 p.m., when assistance w&s immediately sent. That means that assistance was not sent for a full hour after Captain Sergeant says he first telephoned and that meanwhile eight men were struggling in difficult seas, three being drowned. Lieutenant C. Le M. Scott, who was in charge of the galley, told the coroner he thought he was in the water for an hour and a-half before being rescued. The serious difference between the times given by Captain. Sergeant, whose integrity is of the highest, and by Commander Lloyd is disquieting, remembering what an hour's delay may have involved. The discrepancy can only be cleared up by a full explanation from the naval authorities. The public will be satisfied with no less. The nation as well as relatives is concerned in the well-being and care of the youths who serve their country in the Navy. There are other ■ matters on which the public would wish to be satisfied. The coroner spoke of a better look-out being kept in future boat races. Was the signalman posted on Mount Victoria in any way negligent on September 30? Apart f:om the lookout, should a patrol boat accompany these naval races, a practice common.in yachting? Finally, should'the boats be equipped with life belts or jackets? The fact that the class of boat in this case floats when swamped proved no protection, as is vividly brought out by Lieutenant Scott's evidence. The naval authorities should not delay in casting light on these points and particularly on the discrepancy in the stated times of reporting the capsize,.