THE FIFESHIRE ENQUIRY.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12390, 4 November 1908, Page 3

THE FIFESHIRE ENQUIRY.

— ; — — . , DECISION OF THE COURT."

CA PTAIN AND CHIEF OFFICER TO SHOW CAUSE. [United Pbess Association.] Received Nov. 3, 11.25 p.m. Sydney, Nov 3. Before the Court of Enqjuiry into the loss of the Fit'esh ire, Captain Nichol gave evidence that aftor the vessel struok he mastered the crew, and consulted his officers. The chief officer agreed with, him that she was a total wreck. There were three fe9t eight inches of water -in the bold when he left. He sold the wreck for £5, and the boats for £1. There was no ohanco of submitting them to auction. ■ ...... The Court found that the wreck was caused by the gros3 negligence • aud reckless navigation of the master, John Nichol, in taking the ship into a position he knew would be dangerous. It also found that Stephen Rowe, tne first officer of the Fifeshire, was a man who qught.not to have been " permitted to have oharge of the owing to his drunken habits. The Court called upon both to show cause why their certificates should not be cancelled. The Fifeshire was insured for £6000. ■