THE COUNTY OF AYR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1756, 1 November 1905, Page 11

THE COUNTY OF AYR.

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY.

CAPTAIN AND MATE CENSURED. DUNEDIN, October 25. A Magisterial inquiry into the wreck of the County of Ayr took place to-day before Mb Riddell, S.M., and Captains Sundstrom and Gordon, nautical assessors. The Crown Solicitor anpeared for the Collector of Customs, and Mr Sim for. the captain and officers of the vessel. Evidence was taken of two residents of Shag Point, who saw the vessel about two hundred yards off the shore on the morning of the 20th, and also of the master, first and second mates, and several seamen. After counsel had addressed the Court, the following decision was given:—The Court finds that the County of Ayr was wrecked on Danger Reef on the morning of October 20th through careless navigation on the part of Captain Tulloch and the first officer, James Arthur Robillaid: and considers _ both of these officers to blame for using a log, and not taking soundings for their exact position when making short tacks off the coast during the thick weather prevailing. The Court considers both the captain and the first officer must he censured for careless navigation. Their heavy loss through the wreck is taken into consideration, and - their certificates will be returned "

on payment of costs. The Court acquits the second officer of blame, and orders the return of his certificate without comment. Costs were assessed:—"Witnesses, £3 10s; assessors’ fees, £4 4s; counsel for prosecution, £2 2s.