THE LOSS OF THE TONGARIRO

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13292, 22 September 1916, Page 4

THE LOSS OF THE TONGARIRO

FINDING OF COURT OF INQUIRY. bj Telegraph.—Press Association, i WELLINGTON, Thursday. The Court of Enquiry into (he wreck of the Tongariro delivered its decision yesterday. Tlih> Court found that the disaster was primarily caused liv the default of the chief officer, P. .J. Ballard, in failing to take precautions for verifying the position of the vessel when off Table Cape. The Court considered that Captain .MaKopcaco was responsible lor the safe- navigation of the vessel, and .the duty lay upon him to ascertain her position after passing Table ('ape where the course was set. *ITu« default of the master and chief officer contributed to the wreck. The master's certificate was suspended for six months. As the chief officer holds a master's certificate ha was granted a mate's certificate. The question of the allocation of costs was deferred. WELLINGTON, Friday. I After the Court delivered judgment counsel pleaded for a reduction of costs on the ground that the suspension of their certificates had deprived the' captain and chief office!- of a means of making a living. The magistrate said he would ascertain what the costs were. This was done, and later on he reduced the amount Jto £lO for the master, # and £3 for the chief officer. Application was also made for the issue of a mate's certificate to tho chief officer. The Court said there was provision for this, and both the captain and chief officer could apply, and the Court would recommend the granting of it. The captain's counsel said he woidd not apply.