WRECK OF THE JANE DOUGLAS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3019, 24 January 1912, Page 58

WRECK OF THE JANE DOUGLAS.

CAPTAIN ORDERED TO PAY COSTS.

NELSON. January 16. When the inquiry into the wreck of the Jane Douglas was resumed to-day the president of the court announced that he had received a letter from a seaman named Brown, who desired that certain questions be asked.

Brown, in hie evidence, said he could not swear that the captain was under the influence of liquor on the night of the wreck. Liquor was carried on board. Mr Ingram, the mate, and a young fireman were called, and they stated that there were no signs of liquor on the captain. No one on board was under the influence of liquor. The court found that the night was sufficiently clear for the land to be seen, and there was no rip or current to set the vessel out of her course. The spray wan not sufficient to hide the rock, and there was not sufficient wind to put the vessel out of her course. The steamer left port well found, and everyone on board was sober and fit for duty. On the facts the court could not ascribe the wreck to the inevitable accident or mere error of judg. inent. It considered that Captain Vendore did not use such vigilance as was reasonably expected of him. but he did not render himself so culpably negligent as to warant the suspension of hie certificate. He would be ordered to pay the costs of the inquiry, totalling £24 13s.