THE HIMITANGI’S ENQUIRY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 13663, 20 April 1912, Page 2

THE HIMITANGI’S ENQUIRY.

(Pei - United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 19. Tlie Magisterial inquiry into the stranding of the steamer Himitangi at the Chatham Islands on February 11 opened today. Captain Cowan, master of the vessel, gave evidence that the night before the vessel went ashore at Waitangi the anchor watch was set early. Next morniil’g he felt the ship roll, and took steps to pre rent her going on the beach, but was unsuccessful, and she touched bottom, and inquiries'were not much use them. A watch was kept by the fireman. lie did no! think it would be better to have an A.li. on watch. The vessel was on the beach altogether for about seven weeks, hi made many attempts to get her off. Eventually she was refloated. The cable gave way owing to a pin of the shackle breaking. It was an old shackle, hut looked all right. Thos. lawyers, second mate, said the vessel lost three anchors a month or two before. The cable had parted a uumbe: of times. Arthur Calvert, Government surveyor of ships, gave it as liis opinion that the accident occurred because there was not sufficient cable out. A statement was made by counsel that the directors of the Chatham Islands Fishing Company still retained confidence in Captain Cowan.

THE CAPTAIN ABSOLVED. WELLINGTON, April 10, The Nautical Court absolved the captain of the steamer Himitangi from any carelessness in connection with the recent stranding at the Chathams, and returned his certificate. The Court was of opinion *that Captain Cowan was careful in the management of the vessel. The Court added that the captain, in leaving a fireman to take .the anchor watch, only followed a practice which had hitherto prevailed on the steamer. The two nautical I assessors, however, were strongly of opinion that such practice could not be allowed in future. Dr. McArthur, S.M., held that the word “seaman” in the Act included ‘‘fireman.” No order was made as to costs.