NAUTICAL INQUIRIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18514, 27 March 1922, Page 7

NAUTICAL INQUIRIES.

THE MAORI-ZITA COLLISION. CHIEF OFFICERS’ CERTIFICATES RETURNED. (Pm United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 25. The finding of the Nautical Court, regarding tho recent collision between the ferry steamer Maori and tho schooner Zita was delivered to-day. Tho court found that a good and proper lookout wos kept by both ships, but that a low-lying haze around the Zita reduced the visibility of her side lights; that the chief officer of the Maori acted properly in sighting the Zita, but that it would have been better had he indicated a. change of course by a signal whistle; that the chief officer of the Zita acted properly, as he was not aware that the Maori had seen him. Both officers’ certificates were returned, and no order was made as to costs. STRANDING OF VALMARIE. (Pm United Press Association.) . WELLINGTON, March 25. Tho Nautical Court eet up to inquire into tho stranding of the schoonejr Valtnario on Farewell Spit found that the master committed a slight, error of judgment in standing too close inshore when approaching Farewell Spit, Although the chart, which was of a late issue, snowed a sufficient depth of water, tho New Zealand pilot, gave him notice that the sands were shifting. Tho master was commended on the steps undertaken by him to save tho vessel after she struck. Hie certificates of the master and mate were returned. No order was made as to costs. The court desired to draw tho attention of the Marino Department to the evidence of the constant changing of the sands at Farewell Spit, and Also that a warning bo given to shipmasters sailing in this locality.