558657-1928-The-Colonial-Secretariat-to-occupy-the-3rd-floor-of-French-Building-Queen-s-Road — Page 1

162 THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, APRIL 27, 1928.

No. 226. It is notified for general information that as from 30th April, 1928, and until the structural alterations to the present offices are completed the Colonial Secretariat will occupy the 3rd floor of the Banque de l'Indo-Chine, French Building, Queen's Road.

No. 227. The following Finding of the Marine Court of Enquiry held on the 4th and 5th April, 1928, to enquire into the circumstances attending the collision between the British Steamship Taming and the Lighter Katonah, is published for general information.

E. R. HALLIFAX,

Colonial Secretary,

27th April, 1928.

FINDING.

The Court finds that the S.S. Taming Official No. 118366 of London, 1,356 tons nett register, the Master of which was George Mills who holds a certificate of Competency as Master No. O.C. 021335, was bound to Hong Kong on a voyage from Canton on the 28th March, 1928.

The ship was on an Easterly course heading for the Kap Sing Mun pass at a speed of 10 knots, having just emerged from a heavy rain squall off Castle Peak Bay.

The Tug Katonah 18 tons with the steel lighter Vermont 381 tons in tow alongside on her port side, was proceeding from Hong Kong to Canton on a westerly course at a speed of about 3 knots and had just cleared the Northern entrance to the Kap Sing Mun pass.

Both the latter vessels arc American owned, licensed in Hong Kong and in charge of Chinese.

When in the vicinity of Brothers Point, shortly after midnight, and close to the Northern shore the Vermont and the Taming came into collision resulting in material damage to the Taming.

The Court is of the opinion that the circumstances did not justify a deviation from the express enactment as to keeping on the starboard side of the channel and finds that:

1. The non-observance by the Master of the Taming of Article 25 of the Colli-

sion Regulations, contributed to the collision,

2. The Tug Katonah disobeyed Article 3 of the Collision regulations relating

to side lights.

3. The Vermont disobeyed Article 5 of the Collision Regulations relating to

side lights.

4. The Coxswain of the Katonah made an incorrect signal in giving one long

blast contrary to Article 15 of the Collision Regulations.

5. A proper lookout was not kept in Katonah.

The Court records its opinion that vessels of the tonnage of the Katonah and Vermont should not be allowed to proceed to foreign ports in charge of persons whose evidence showed them to be insufficiently qualified for such positions.

The Court decides that the circumstances attending this casualty do not call for any action with regard to the certificates of the Master or Officers of the Taming.

(Signed)

""

J. B. NEWILL, D.S.O., R.N., Commander,

Stipendiary Magistrate and President of the Court.

IVAN B. FARRANT, Lieut.-Commander,

H.M.S. Hermes.

D. G. BURLEIGH,

Master, British S.S. Chip Shing.

W. A. WALKER,

A. HALL,

"

Master, British S.S. Kwong Tung.

Master, British S.S. Pheumpenh.