THE WEECK OF THE MAGGIE PATERSON.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXIII, Issue 9464, 29 July 1881, Page 2

THE WEECK OF THE MAGGIE PATERSON.

The Collector of Customs held an inquiry on Tuesday Inst into the circumstances attending the stranding of the schooner Maggie Pafcerson. Captain H. Paterson deposed that his crew consisted of six hands all told, all of whom were on deck at the time of the stranding. The Maggie Paterson left Greymouth on the 13th inst,. the weaiher bdng fine, The ■wreck occ'nrrcd at 11 p.m on the 19th inst., at which time a southerly gale was blowing, with a very high sea, the weather being exceedingly thick. Captain Paterson proceeded to give an account of the striking of the schooner, particulars of which have already appeared. The value of the vessel was £1700. the insurance effected on her being £1200. The vessel and cargo were a total loss, although :;• portion of the latter niighb be saved. The Maggie Peterson was supplied with the latest Admiralty charts, up<*n which the coastal lights were correctly marked, and the vessel was well found in compasses, and also in all other respects. The witness stated that at the time of the stranding he held the wheel. He did not heave the lead. Was steering N. by W., and after stranding the ship's head was about N.E. The evidence o£ the mate, Henry Moffatt, as to the stranding of the schooner and the circumstances which led up to the wreck corroborated the captain's testimony. The remainder of the crew were also examined, but their testimony did not vary from the account given by Captain Patevson. At the conclusion of the inquiry, Mr Hill, the Collector of Customs for the port, returned Captain Paterson his certificate. The depositions taken at the investigation will be forwarded to the Marine Department, but it is more than likely that no steps will be taken in the matter. — Kew Zealand Times.