THE ABEL TASMAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22956, 11 August 1936, Page 10

THE ABEL TASMAN

INQUIRY CONCLUDED MASTER AND MEN EXONERATED (Per United Press Association) GREYMOUTH, August 10. When the Abel Tasman inquiry was resumed counsel's addresses were heard. Mr Foden criticised the Harbour Board, alleging laxity of control in the mooring arrangements. Mr Kitchingham defended the board, saying that if the port had a defective system the Marine Department should draw attention to it and endeavour to remedy it. In the past 70 years only three vessels had broken away from the wharf, and the breakaway of the Omana was due to a defective shackle. Mr Kirkcaldie claimed that the evidence completely exonerated Captain Archibald, and submitted that there was no evidence of the vessel's equipment being unsatisfactory. The court was asked five questions, to which it returned the following answers: — 1. (a) Was the vessel moored in accordance with the practices of the harbour?—Yes. (b) Was the vessel moored to the satisfaction of the harbour master?—Yes. The evidence shows that the harbour master, the vessel's master and the officers had given strict attention to the safe mooring of the vessel. 2. Could the practice of the harbour as to moorings in flood conditions be improved by the Harbour Board providing special moorings for floods?—Yes (memoranda to be prepared embodying the recommendations). 3. Is it possible that the casualty would have been avoided if the engines had been -turning and ready for instant use?—Not in our opinion (the reasons to be amplified in a report to the Minister of Marine). 4. Was everything possible done to save the vessel after she broke away?—Yes. The court considers that the master, officers, engineers and crew acted in a prompt, seamanlike manner and are to be commended therefor, the master in particular.

5. Was the casualty caused or contributed to by the wrongful act or default of the master or any of his crew or of the Harbour Board or any other person?—Not in so far as the master or any of his crew were concerned, but the court desires to consider further this question in relation to the Harbour Board and its officials. The master, William Archibald, and the first mate, Peter Dalziel, had their certificates returned to them unendorsed.