CAPTAIN'S TICKET SUSPENDED

West Coast Times, 21 March 1910, Page 4

CAPTAIN'S TICKET SUSPENDED

THE 6TBANDNNG OF THE SCOW VESPER. [by TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND, March 19—The magisterial inquiry has opened into the stranding of the scow Vesper at Whangaparoa. Peter Peterson, the master, deposed that on the day of the stranding of the Vesper, three hands, including himself, were removing mutton carcases from the steamer Kaipara. Before they left the steamer three bottles o f whisky and one bottle of rum were taken aboard the scow. Witness had about four drinks of whisky on the voyage down the channel, WitflF§ s took charge, the other men being below. Tlie night was clear. At about 3.40 a.m. he went below to get a cigarette, but collapsed owing to being up two nights in succession. He fell asleep. The next thing lie knew was one of the men calling out that the vessel was ashore.

W. Stanley Clark, the Vesper’s cm gineer, stated that on the night the vessel stranded, he went to bed early, while the vessel was in Rangitoto Channel. In his cabin was a bottle of rum, which at the time he retired was practically full. Witness went to sleep and did not wake again until the ship was on the rocks. He went on deck and then proceeded to Petersen’s cabin in company with Wills. It took a long time to arouse Petersen, who was asleep in his hunk. It was evident that the master was under the influence of drink. Witness then noticed that a third of the rum was gone from the bottle in his cabin.

P. Goldsboro, a<;ent for the Vesper, said ho issued orders for the boat to proceed with the work of unloading the Kaipara and on the morning in question lie sent three bottles of whisky aboard for the crew. As far as the agents were concerned Wills was master of the ship, representin'; the owners’ interests. Petersen was only there because it was necessary to carry a certificated master on the boat Witness know that Peterson was a man of intemperate habits.

The Court cancelled the certificate of Captain Petersen and ordered the owners to pay the cost of the enquiry.