FORREST HALL INQUIRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2455, 20 March 1909, Page 5

FORREST HALL INQUIRY.

CAPTAIN’S CERTIFICATE SUSPENDED.

(Press •" Association.)

AUCKLAND, March 19, The inquiry into the circumstances of the wreck of the ship Forrest Hall, near Cape Maria Van Dieman, on February 27.; was concluded this afternoon. Evidence was given that the insurances on the Audi, freight, and cargo amounted roughly to £IO,OOO. The'Court, after retiring for a quarter of aw hour, brought in a unanimous finding.. They found it very difficult indeed to understand why the captain put tlio vessel oyi tlie tetek lie did when he had made up his mind to go either through Cook’s Strait or to the extreme south of New Zealand, but they were further of- opinion that the evidence would not justify them in finding that the wreck was due to the deliberate act of the master. They ifrund, however, that the wreck was due to his grossly negligent navigation-—viz., in standing in to the land longer than he was justified in doing, and in omitting to take soudings or any stops whatever to as-, certain the depth of water. They further. found that the chief, officer was in no way to blame for the wreck. On the. contrary, they were of opinion that il the captain had adopted the chief officer’s suggestion shortly before the vessel struck, in all probability the disaster would never have occurred. They wore also of opinion that the ship was Seaworthy, fully, manned, and equipped in accordance with the law'. They ordered that the master’s certificate bo suspended for two vears, and that he pay the costs of the inquiry regards the return of the. mate’s certificate, they would leave that to the Customs department, because they understood that would be the subject of a special investigation or. inquiry.