WRECK OF THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 7

WRECK OF THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH.

FINDING OF COURT OF INQUIRY. WELLINGTON, May 19. The Magisterial Court of Inquiry delivered judgment this morning into the wreck of the Queen of th& South. The court held that the wreck was principally due to Cape Campbell light; being obscured by fog, and no other lights or landmarks being visible to show the master that the vessel was not making a safe" course. According to the evidence, a theoretically safe course was steered, but had the master had_ more experience of the locality he might have made allowance to counteract the effect of the flood tide. While accepting the 'theory that magnetos in the cargo might have been a contributing cause, the court pcinted out that there was no evidence to show that magnetos were stowed in such proximity to the compass as to produce a deviation sufficient to bs the sole cause of tho wreck. The court found that the wreck was not caused by tne wrongful act of the master, officers, or crew. The certificates of the master and mute wore returned, and they were not ordered to pay costs. Tho court recommended that official tests bo made to ascertain at what distance magnetos attract the compasses, also that all electrical goods shipped be clearly marked.