SPEED VERSUS SAFETY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14465, 6 March 1909, Page 5

SPEED VERSUS SAFETY

ALLEGATIONS ARISING FROM PENGUIN WRECK. SIR JAMES -MILLS'S REPLY 'JHKUETO.

In consequence of tho wreck of tho Union Company's s.s. Penguin, and evidence subunited at the inquiry into the circumst;mc?i surrounding .-•ante, there lias appeared in the principal columns of many of the tending newspapers of ike Dominion accusations levelled against shipmasters, to the elfcct that certain of them are inclined to sacrifice the safety of their ships and their passritgeis to a constantly-growing anxiety to make a fast passage. It lias bo-en variously urged, in connection with these charges, that the unfortunate captain is "between the devil and the deep sea," insomuch that if, in dirty weather, h» goes cautiously awi loses time, he is immediately worried by his owners, while if he has a.n accident while making fast time in line weather he is even more seriously as-sailed from another quarter. Many such charges have been insinuated against the Union Company, as being the bedy mcst largely interested in shipping matters in New Zealand, a.i;-.l more than a little ink has been (.rait in the causa of the shipmasters as against that of the owners.

Yesterday a Times reporter secured an interview with Sir James Mills, managing director of the company, and, drawing his 0.1 toivi ion to various leading articles in various newspapers, inquired whether ho bad any reply to nuiko to tho allegation that his company's captains were expected to make fast time at nil costs,

Sir James said he had. "There seems," ho said, "to l;e a little imca-mess in the community owing to the belief that the company's steamers must adboro to tho timc-lablc at. ail risks. In reply to that I would like to say that the answer given by Ciiplain Xuylor at tho Penguin inquiry, when asked by Mr Myers if ho 'tad not to run to a time-table, is perfectly correct. Re raid 'No; you must consider the safety of the ship. Nothing is raid if you arc bite. That is the company's rule.' And that is ?o. If there is an impression abroad that masters mu?t adhere rigidly to tho time-table, at all risks, I am glad to have the opportunity of elating emphatically that such is not the case. When a man is put in chargj of a shin, ftwery confidenceis placed in him, and he is absolutely ttnliTinuwllcd as regards the navigation mid maragomenf of his vessel. I would direct >our intention to a rule laid down in tho company's regulations, commonly known as the ' Red Rook,' in regard to precautions to bo taken durim; fog. It is rule 33, and reads: ' Should foggy weather set in when the steamer is in the neighbourhood of land, the captain must take i'i.n-odiate personal charge of the ship, ami lite lead must lie used frequently, a.".<! if soundings suggest the slightest doubt as to tho course of tho ■ship, as nuHiiu,:, her head must bo turotcd away from what is considered the direction of the land, at.d her prcgirc.-s stayed ttuti! her e.\i?.c.t position is ascertained. A double lookout must at all times lie kept in foggy weather, and the instructions o> the JJoaixl of Trade strictly observed. These are that "in fog, or mist, or falling snow, steamship.) shall go at a moderate pace, and give the steam whistle :i moderate blast at intervals of .not more than two minutes. If it vessel is not under way, a bell instead of tho steam whistle must lie sou tilled tit intervals of not more than two minutes.' Further than this, 1 may say thai every master on appointment receives a siwciai taller from the head office of the company, which is as fellows:—' In communicating this proof of the confideno3 which the directors place in you, I desire to impress upon you the absolute necessity there is for tho exercise of tho greatest cave, skill, and tact in carrying out tho responsiblo duties attaching to the position d conm'.aiu'.e.r of a ship. Tho wfcly of the lives and pro|»rty placed under your charge, must be yoitr first con-

.siri'sration under all circumstances. You must run no risks, but must take every proper precaution ot all limes, on tho cast, at. sea. a.r/1 when working ports. Whilst luainhinhig the strinlosl discipline en hoard in all departments, your relations wiili those un.ler your command should he of the most friendly character, and year conduct and extuuplo such • ,-,s to inspire the fullest, confidence in your ability and jrdgincr.i. It will he your duty to see that Ihe r-\;ii!<c'i : o;t hid tfcwn in the company's " Red licok" ere strictly enforced, and you will he bA'l responsible for a.iiv neglect of these, or fir any denarl-nre from the ru'."s set f.-nli therein for ilia guidance of oilieeii in positions of difficulty and danjev.' "

"Whenever," continued Sir James, "the master receives trausfe.r or promotion, a letter couched in similar ierms is sent him, in which he is urged to care for the safety of llu"-<> on board his shin, mid adhere strictly to th-3 'Red Book' regulations.

" Nothing can bo e'earc-r then this, and it seems hav;l!y necessary for me to add anything further to reassure tho public."