THE KAIPARA INQUIRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2726, 3 February 1910, Page 5

THE KAIPARA INQUIRY.

HARBOR-MASTER SAYS CHART AIISLEADING. [Per Press Association.! AUCKLAND, Feb. 2. At th© Kaipara inquiry this, morning the Harbormaster, Captain Duder, being further examined, said the spot where the rock was found was shown as 5 fathoms on the Admiralty chart, which he admitted was absolutely misleading. Captain Cornwall’s course was a safe one but for that rock, but it was not tho safest course. The Collector of Customs stated that the Marine Department hud issued instructions for the inspection of the sea bottom at the. berth occupied by the Kaipara. The Court adjourned to inspect the locality of the shoal on which the Kaipara struck. Charles Mollaer, light-keeper at Bean Rock, said lie watched the Kaipara coming down the harbor. He had seen a great many large steamers go out of Auckland, and the Kaipara seemed to him to follow the ordinarv course. Mr. Brigham, secretary to the Harbor Board, recalled, said, in answer to Air. Kettle, that he would, not like to pin the responsibility on any one for the delay in having a survey made of the channel. After the reoorted striking of the Waimate in 1904, the Harbor Board wanted a survey, and were willing to pay for it. He added : “The .k. enguin was in tho port at the time, and was engaged on*what we considered less important work. The Department. gave no definite reply.” Mr. Kettle: But tlie minutes show that a survey by Captain Duder and tlie engineer, Mr. Hamer, was authorised, and a report here shows that those gentlemen expressed their ability to do it at a cost of £450. A\ r hy was that survey not carried out? Because the Board deferred the question with a view to getting the use of the survey ship on the station. Mr. Kettle: "Were the harbormaster and the engineer not canable of doim*’ it ? ' 0

Ido not say that. The Board simply desired to get the Admiralty vessei, with all appliances. Mi'. Brigham, in further evidence, said that Captain Dawson, of the Penguin, had told him that they would not take soundings to place on the Admiralty chart unless they were verified. They could not correct their charts in a loose way. H© (Mr. Brigham) would not say officially, as secretly _ol the Harbor Board, that the Admiralty liydrographers would not accept soundings from the Harbor Board.

Cross-questioned by Mr. Cotter, who appeared for the New Zealand Shipping; Co., Mr. Brigham said that he could not recollect any conversation between the chairman of the Harbor Board, the harbormaster and liimsblf, in which the- harbormaster was given instructions not to attempt to locate the shoal in the meantime, because the onus was on the cantain of the ship. There were several conversations, and lie thought will at was said was that, if Captain Cornwall alleged he had struck a shoal, it was for him to prove it. The inquiry was adjourned till Monday, Mr. Ridings intimating that in the meantime the shoal in the channel and the berthage at the wharf would be surveyed by the Marine Department.

THE DAMAGE TO THE VESSEL. A statement as tj the damage suffered by the Kaipara by grounding in Rangitoto Channel was given on behalf of the New Zealand Shipping Company to a “Heradl” representative on inquiry to-day. This shows that, in all, 21 plates on the starboard side of the vessel are more or less buckled, and require renewing or training into position. In addition to these injuries the steamer has been damaged in other parts. The repairs will occupy some seven or eight weeks. Tenders have been called for the repairs, and will be returnable at noon to-morrow.

The inquiry has been adjourned ti Monday.

WELLINGTON, Eeb. 2. . Surprise is expressed in shipping circles at the statement of the secretary of the Auckland Harbor Board that- the Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty refuses to accept any survey other than those made by its own officers. This is said to be incorrect, for surveys carried out. by the local Harbor Board have been accepted by the Admiralty, and charts embodying them issued.