NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1594, 26 October 1905, Page 2

NAUTICAL INQUIRY.

(Per Press 'Association.) Dunedin, last night. At the nautical inquiry into the circum* stances conneoted with the wreck of the

barquo County of Ayr, evidence was taken of two residents of Shag Point who saw the vessel about 200 yards o2 the shore on the morning of the 20th, and also of the master, first and second mates, and several seamsD. After counsel hod addressed tbs court the following decision was given:— The court finds the County of Ayr was wrecked on a dangerous reef on the morning of the 20th through oareless navigation on the part of Captain Tulloob, and first officer, Jarnos Arthur Robillard, and considers both of theso offioers to blame for not using the log and not taking soundings for their oxaot position when making •: short tacks off the coast during the thick weather prevailing. The court considers that both captain and first officer must be censured for careless navigation. Their heavy loss through the wreok is takon into consideration, ond their certificates will be returned on payment of costs. The court acquits the second offioer of blame, and orders th 6 return of his certificate without comment. Coats were assessed as follows: Witnesses £3 10s, assessors’ fees £4 4s, counsol for prosecution £2 2e,