THE COUNTY OF AYR.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5729, 26 October 1905, Page 5

THE COUNTY OF AYR.

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY. CAPTAIN AND MATE CENSURED. PRESS ASSOCIATION. DUNEDIN, October 25. A Magisterial inquiry into the wreck of the County of Ayr took place to-day before Mr Riddell, S.M., and Captains Sundstrom and Gordon, nautical assessors. Tho Crown Solicitor appeared 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 tho vessel about two hundred yards of! tho shore on tho morning of tho 20th, and also of tho master, first and second mates, and several seamen. ( After counsel had addressed tho Court, tho following decision was given;—Tho Court finds that tho County of Ayr was wrecked on Danger Reef on tho morning of October 20th through careless navigation on tho part of Captain Tulloch and tho first officer, James Arthur Robillard: arid considers both of these officers to blame for no'r. using a log, and not taking soundings for their exact position when making short tacks off tho coast during the thick weather prevailing. Tho Court considers both tho captain and tho first officer must be censured for careless navigation. Their heavy loss through tho wreck is taken into, consideration, and their certificates will bo returned on payment of costs. The Conrt acquits tho second officer of blame, and orders tho return of his certificate without comment.

Costs were assessed:—Witnesses, £3 10s; assessors’ fees, £4 4s; counsel for ■prosecution, £2 2s.