STEAMERS IN COLLISION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2027, 13 August 1920, Page 11

STEAMERS IN COLLISION.

INQUIRY ADJOURNED. Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 13. A Magisterial inquiry was opened to-day Jnlo the circumstances connected with the collision between the New Zealand Shipping Company's steamer Ruahine, which was lying at'the wharf, and the Eastbourne Borough' Council ferry steamer Duchess, coming from Rona Bay, in a fog recently. Mr E. K. Kirkcaldie, for Captain Lowry, of the Duchess, contended: that the Court was improperly constituted, as only one of the two assessors was a master mariner, the other being an engineer. In this case no engineer's certificate was involved, and therefore both assessors should be nautical men. He asked for an adjournment of the inquiry in order that representation might be made to the proper quarter. Mr A. W. Blair, who appeared for the owners of the Duchess, supported Mr Kirkcaldie's view, and submitted the Act was mandatory In that respect. Mr E. Prendeville, for the Crown, agreed lo an adjournment to enable a third assessor to be appointed. Mr W. G. Hiddell. S.M., said the engineers might become involved, and as such he was entitled to an engineer assesor. The Court, as constituted, was competent to deal with the case of the engineer, but not with the default in the case of the master, and it was therefore necessary to appoint another nautical man. The Court adjourned sine die.