MARINE INQUIRY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16506, 6 August 1919, Page 7

MARINE INQUIRY.

STRANDING OF THE KOWHAI. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 6. Further evidence was given to-day at the magisterial inquiry into the stranding of the Kowhai at Farewell Spit on June 6. Christian J. Anderson, second officer, stated that he and the captain were on the bridge when white formation was seen a good way off. This was taken to be the Curious Cliff, and unless the vessel made a lot of leeway it could not have been the Curious Cliff. In the moonlight it might have been a sand hill that loomed up like a cliff. The vessel was on a course which would clear Farewell Spit. He considered the course safe, otherwise he would have called the captain; he was certain he did not mistake the bank of clouds for the looming ahead of land. Alfred E. Carter, ordinary' seaman, 17]- years of age., who was at the wheel when the vessel struck, deposed that ho did not see the chief officer leave the bridge, but saw him come up with a cup of tea and toast a little more than i t)0 minutes before tho steamer grounded i Gordon C. Holden, a boy 19]- years I old, who was on the look-out, gavo evi- i deuce to the effect that lie was quite i sure he could see nothing to indicate I there was land in. close, proximity. j . Captain Dinsmore, rc-callcd, said that' having Farewell light abaft the beam ' and land open on the port bow, he con-1 sidered no further observations were necessary’ for the vessel’s safety. j The court will give its decision at 3 ! p.m. ■»