FERRY STEAMERS IN COLLISION.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12767, 13 April 1910, Page 3

FERRY STEAMERS IN COLLISION.

THE ENQUIRY.

{United Pbesb Association.]

..-■■ ; Wellington, April 12. The inquiry into the recent collision in Wellington harbour between the ferry steamers Duchess and Cbbar, was not concluded when the Court rose till iKwnorrowv .

Howard Collins, who was a passenger on the Duchess, stated : 'that from the. manner in which Captain Jones addressed the people on the deck, he came to the conclusion that he was under the influence of liquor. • Mr Gray : Have you ever heard it said that Captain Jones has -got a peculiar manner ?. Witness : Yes. He is somewhat rough in appearance and conversation. Mr Gray : Have you heard that? _ Witness: Yes. The witness added that his impression that Captain Jones was drunk* may have been caused merely by his peculiar manner. Robt. L. Button gave it as his omnion that Captain Jones was/under the influence of liquor on the trip. He was sorry to say it, but it was his honest conviction. By the Court : Have you any doubt in, your mind about it? _• Witness : Not the least doubt. He had a difficulty in articulating clearly. By the Courb : What about his gait ? Witness : Ho was rolling about the deck. ' , By the Court: You are making allowance for the roll of the ship?

Witness: Oh, yes. By the Courj> : You have no personal grudge against Captain Jones? Witness: No, I have not, and I should like very much not to have to be' here'jb | " ' t . To Mr' Gray the witness replied: Captain Jones' walk was certainly a rolling one. As a general thing he did not walk that way. His rolling gait could not have been caused by the motion of theship. Mr Gray: Will you not give him the benefit of the doubt?

Witness : I think that there was no room to doubt.

Mr Gray: Did you think he was competent to be in charge of the ship? Witness : No. Ido niot think he was.

The President: Did you call at Rona Bay? , Witness : Yes.

The President : Was the vessel made ! ast at the -wharf all right ? Witness : Yes.