STRANDING OF THE TAMBO.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9100, 19 March 1901, Page 3

STRANDING OF THE TAMBO.

DECISION OF THE MARINE COURT. In connection with the mishap to the steamer Tambo at Schouten Island early on Sunday week, the Hobart Mercury I says : . "Dr Zeitz, a resident of Sydney, who was! travelling by the Tambo, in the course of ' conversation, stated that he was asleep in his bunk at the time of the collision, and waa aroused by a terrible shock, as, indeed, were all the other passengers. He rushed on , deck to see what was the matter, but the weather was too thick for him to see where they were. Though there was a great deal of consequent excitement, all aboard were most exemplary in their conduct, speedily becoming cool and quiet, and they were soon assured by the third officer of there being no need for anxiety as to their safety. Some of the passengers were thrown from their bunks by the violence of the shock. Constable Williams, at Sydney policeman, who was "sleeping in a cabin right aft, waa thrown out, the top* bunk which he was in coming down and breaking the under one. Fortunately, the latter was not ocoupied, or serious injury would probably have resulted to the passenger in it. Dr Reitz said everything was done orderly hi readiness for the worst, the boats being got out in remarkably quick time.* He paid a tribute of praise to the stewardess (Miss Campbell) for her attention to the lady passengers." At the inquiry Captain Gibb, of the Oonah, gave evidence that the Tambo's course was set in too close to allow for a strong tide set. The Court held that Captain Willcock was guilty of neglect in not having an efficient log on board to ascertain the speed ' and distance run ; further, he committed an error of judgment, and exhibited culpable want of proper caution, in placing too much reliance upon the compass, by. ordering such a course as north-quarter-east to be steered when close to the land, under such atmospheric conditions. After the accident his action waa prompt,- seamanlike, and commendable, he using all necessary precautions for saying life, and, as far as possible, preserving the ship. The Court could not overlook the ' fact that his neglect and want of caution led to the disaster, and directed that the certificate of the master be suspended for three. months. -The Court also recommended that a first mate's certificate be issued to the captain in the meantime. The Court found that Mr Chapman, second mate, had not •complied with the general orders in the bridge book by not calling the captain when the weather became thick. He also committed an error of judgment in leaving the bridge' at a critical moment. His certificate was suspended for one month. The costs of the inquiry, ten guineas, are to be paid by the captain and the second mate. [The Captain Willcock referred to is well known on this coast as the former chief officer jrf the Westralia. He is a sterling fellow, and his friends will;- regret to hear of this mishap in connection with his first command.] Tur&nga Church Services. — Sunday next: Waerenga-o-kuri 11 (with Holy Communion), Te Arai 3.15 (wpth Holy Communion), and Patutahi 7, Canon Fox ; Woerenga-a-hika 3, Lay Reader; Motu district, 3.ls.— Advt. '