KARORI MISHAP

Wairarapa Age, 19 December 1919, Page 5

KARORI MISHAP

(By Telegraph—Press Association) DUNEDIN, Last Night. A Magisterial enquiry into the mishap to the steamer Karori in Otagc harbour waß' opened to-day, before Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M., and Captains Manning and MeArthur, assessors. The master of the Karori (Captain Hopkins) stated that the vessel took a sheer towards the rocky ledge. Ships took sheers from tidal effects, and being in the middle of the channel he was prepared for such a thing happening, but the margin of safety was so small that by the time he got .the helm on, the damage was done. The ship had not time vo answer her helm. There was no mention of hugging Goat Island in the examination. Matthew Robertson, chief engineer, said that the vessel was steering quite well. Captain Hopkins had taken more precautions in reference to steering his ship than any other captain he had sorved under. H. L. P. Brown, chief officer, said he noticed the bow sheer to port, and felt a ,bump. He had no idea what caused the sheer. Captain Thomson, harbour master, said he would have approached tho passage as Captain Hopkins had done, but he might have kept a little more towards Goat Island, where the water was deeper. Similar accidents have happened there. The Magistrate announced that a decision would be given nes;t morning-

The summoned meeting of the Foresters' Lodge will be held this evening, when a large amount of business will be transacted. As this is the final meeting of the year, a full attendance is requested. A Christmas social will be held at the conclusion of the Lodge business..