FOG SIGNALS AT WELLINGTON

Southland Times, Issue 22962, 7 August 1936, Page 3

FOG SIGNALS AT WELLINGTON

Necessity Stressed By Court (United Press Association.) Wellington, August 6. The necessity for some form of fog signals in Wellington harbour is stressed by the Court of Inquiry which inquired into the accident to the steamer express at Wellington. The report of the Court, which consisted of Mr E. D. Mosley, S.M., and Captains J. G. Watson and J. Mawson, was released by the Minister of Marine (the Hon. P. Fraser) to-day. Tlie reports read:— “Arising out of the inquiry into the mishap to the Wahine, we gave serious consideration to the evidence placed before the Court on behalf of the Wellington Harbour Board, and while we appreciate to the utmost the point of view and due weight that must be given to the views of men whose duties make them familiar with the conditions at the wharves, we are of the opinion that adequate fog signals at both Point Jerningham and the outermost wharf would be of valuable assistance. These two points would mark, as _ it were, the outer line or points defining the inner basin, within which the utmost caution should be observed in navigation when visibility is not normal.

“It is our unanimous opinion that had there been a warning bell or other device of adequate power on the Pipitea Wharf on the morning of the casualty, it would not have happened. We were given to understand at the hearing that recommendations for the installation of fog signals within the harbour have been made by at least two Nautical Courts of Inquiry.” The opinion of the Court is to be forwarded to the Wellington Harbour Board by the Minister of Marine.