THE FLORA-WAKATIPU COLLISION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 10482, 6 December 1895, Page 2

THE FLORA-WAKATIPU COLLISION.

STATEMENT BY UNION COMPANY'S DIRECTORS. In view of numerous communications in the press and to the directors concerning the decision iv the caso of the FloraWakatipu collision, the directors of the Union S.B. Company readily, admit that both masters are men of sterling character and ability, as well as most skilful seamen, and regret that they had to take the extreme step relieving both masters of their position. They felt, however, there was no other course open to them. The safety of those on hoard and of the property placed under his charge is a master's first consideration. In the case of the Wakatipu and Flora both commanders, with their oyes open, and knowing thoir vessels to bo uninsured, persisted in a course which was bound to place their ships in danger, a re • suit which actually followed, and which could have been avoided by the oxercise of a little judgment by either of them. The fact that the collision only resultud in plight damage being done cannot be takes as a palliative. \Vhilo ii is a matter for sincere congratulation that nothing more serious happened than the smashing of a 'boat and the crashing of a few beams, the fact remains that there was no excuse for the collision occurring, and the results might have been extremely disastrous. Allusion has been mado to the Company's ships having raced at sea on previous occasions, without the masters having been brought to book for it. The case of the Wakatipu and Flora, however, is not a matter of two ships at sea proceeding in the samo direction, and each exerting her best speed. There wero two ships running at full speed in dangerous proximity to each other, and one of which had to cross tho other before she could get into the direction in which she was bound. At any moment either master could have avoided the threatened danger, yot each kept on, satisfied with his own conduct and tho course ho was pursuing. While the directors have been adversely criticised, they have also received many communications oxpressingapproval of the course adopted. To havo overlooked the offence wouldhavesubjoctod them to very unfavourable comment, and tended to create a feeling of uneasiness in tho public mind that there discountenance of trials of speed' bdtween their steamers" was more apparent than rpal. Whilo reluctant to tako extreme action against two masters bearing the oxcellont records of Captains Ewau and Waller, the directors felt it was of great importance that tho public should havo absolute coniidenco in everything that is dorio by tho company for tho protection of life and property, and a practical assurance against a rocurreuco of a similar mistake.