Loss of the Schooner Alma.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4788, 4 September 1883, Page 3

Loss of the Schooner Alma.

[Pbb Pbbsb Abbooiatioh.]

AUOKLAHD, Bbpt. 8.

The judgment of the Nautical Court upon the loss of the barquentine Alma was delivered this morning by Mr Smith, Besident Magistrate, as follows :— "The loss of the vessel was oaused by default of the master, on the following grounds:— (l) That he left Danedin for Wanganui in an iron ship to which he was a stranger without having first ascertained the deviation of compasses. (2) That he failed to keep a reoord of compass corrections, when found by observations, in some form that was accessible to the mate or himself at aßy time of the day or night. It appears that the only record kept was an entry in the log. (3) That he did not provide himtelf with a book of sailing directions for the voyage on whioh he was bound. I am not satisfied that he made all reasonable effort to obtain such book. (4) That although oloße to the reef on August 2, he did not at any time and during that day Inform the mate of its proximity. (5) That he gave no special instructions to keep a look* out for danger either to the mato or man on the look-out. (6) That the deck was left in charge only of an A.B. on the morning of August 3, when it was dark, squally and rainy, the master and mate being both below for about fifteen minutes. I am in doubt whether the compass was placed in a proper position, being oaly four or five feet from the deok of an iron vessel j but the evidenoe oh this point is not sufficiently explicit to enable me to form a definite opinion. -Taking all the evidence into consideration, I am of opinion that it diiolosed a want of judgment and forethought on the part of the master throughout the voyage, and that his certificate should be suspended for a period of three months. He will ako be ordered to pay the ooßts of these proceedings. Next, the mate was negligent in leaving the deok, but as this is the only specific act of negligence disolosed by the evidence, it is unnecessary for me to do more than call attention, to the faot." The costs amounted to £6 13s.