STEAMERS IN COLLISION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13926, 3 April 1909, Page 5

STEAMERS IN COLLISION.

THE INQUIRY.

ALL CERTIFICATES RETURNED.

Per Press Association.

LYTTELTON,. ApriI 2. Judgment was given to-day by Mr. Bishop, S.M., president of the Nautical Court to inquire into the Storm-Waka-tu collision. His Worship commented on the contradictory evidence, and said it was clear that one side or the other was lying. The collision was caused by error of judgment on both sides, and could have been prevented by strictly observing the rules of the road. He and the assessors considered that the lookout requirements were regarded as practically a farce on such vessels, and that as the deck officers had to take what they were supplied with, the owners, and not the deck officers, were more responsible, In regard to the look-out. Each side would have to pay its own costs, and in each case the officer in charge of the deck would be ordered to pay a moiety. The certificates would be returned to all parties.