MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10439, 19 April 1912, Page 3

MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY.

THE STRANDING OF THE HIMITANGI. [Pflfi Press Association.] WELLINGTON, April 19. Tlio magisterial inquiry into the stranding of the steamer Himitangi at the Chatham Islands on February 11 was opened to-day. (Captain Cowan, master of the vessel, gave evidence that on the night before the vessel went ashore at, Waitangi an anchor watch was set. Early nest morning he felt the ship roll, and took steps to prevent her lrotu fioino; on the beach, but was unsuccessful. She touched •bottom, and the engines were then not of much use. A watch was kept hy the fireman. He did not think it would be better to hare an A.B. on watch. The vessel was on tho beach altogether for about seven w ceks. He made many attempts to get her off, and eventually she was refloated. The cable gave way owing to the pin of the shackle breaking. It was an old shackle, but looked nl) ri«ht. Thomas Sawyers, second, mate, said that the vessel, had lost three anchors a month or two Wore. The cable had partetl a number of times.

Arthur Calvert, Government surveyor of ships, gave it as his opinion that the accident occurred because there was not ftufficient cable out. A uliiteiuent was made bv counsel thnt Ihe director? of tho Chatham Islands Fishing Company still retain their confidence in Captain Cowan. The judgment given in the case absolved the captain from all hlam", and hifi certificate was returned, but the nautical assessors wer* strongly of the opinion that a fireman should not be left on watch.