ACCIDENTS ON WHARVES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17322, 23 May 1918, Page 4

ACCIDENTS ON WHARVES

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY. (Pkb United Pvpss Association.) WELLINGTON. May 22. Tho Commission of inquiry into aocidenta on wharves commenced its sittings hero to-day. Peter Petersen, marine superintendent of tho Richardson Company, Napier, said ho knew of no accidents during trie past two years at Wellington or Napier due to defective gear. He considered that the present inspectors were "over the mark." He did not know of tho victimisation of men for reporting defects. The annual inspection on small vessels was very strict. A Government inspector had a right to stop the work if he thought a winch or tho gear defective. Robert Storey Dalton (master mariner and local marine superintendent for the Union Company) said there 'was an annual Inspection of gear and constant supervision in various ways. The men themselves were frequently overhauling the gear. Witness did not know of any cases of 2ings carrying away. > Frank Jelley (superintendent of stevedores for the New Zealand Shipping Company) said that_ in the last two years he knew of no accidents to any of the men through defective gear. Reports of defective gear were welcomed, but in many cases tho complaints were trivial. John Currie (labour foreman for the Union Company) said the inspectors were very particular. When questioned "as to the lighting of holds, witness replied that lie was sorry t.o say that the holds were not sufficiently lighted, and tho wharves were worse. He expressed the opinion that a brake was needed on the winches. Matthew Barr (foreman engineer for the Union Company) said he found the winches on the hulls in good order. When asked if ho thought if the inspection of machinery was under one head, say, the Marine Department, it would be better for all concerned, witness said ho did not see that it would.

The Commission has adjourned till tomorrow.