666595-1886-Marine-Court-Finding-S-S-Douglas- — Page 1

THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 27TH FEBRUARY, 1886. 145

GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.-No. 72.

The following finding of a Marine Court appointed to enquire into the loss of the British Steam- ship Douglas, is published for general information.

By Command,

FREDERICK STEWART,

Acting Colonial Secretary.

Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 27th February, 1886.

FINDING.

We find that the British Steam-ship Douglas, Official No. 84,357 of Hongkong, MATTHEW YOUNG, Master, whose Certificate of Competency is No. 32,637 of London, left Amoy at about 5.30 P.M. on the 10th February last, bound for Swatow.

That at the time of sailing, the Douglas was in light trim only, having on board a small quantity f cargo.

That there were on board besides the Crew, consisting of Europeans, Chinese and Malays (64 all told) and 5 European passengers, several Chinese passengers, the exact number of whom, we have been unable to determine.

That after leaving Amoy, safe and proper courses were steered, until the High Lamock Light was abeam.

T

That at about 2.45 A.M., on the 11th February, the ship stranded on the White Rocks, and subsequently became a total wreck, and that this was unfortunately attended with a deplorable loss of life.

That the remaining Crew and passengers were rescued by the British Steam-ship Haiphong, and taken to Swatow.

We are of opinion that the Master, seeing the state of the weather at the time, and not having verified his position, would have displayed more caution in not attempting to pass between the High Lamock and the White Rocks, and that, having decided to steer between these, he under-estimated his distance off the High Lamock, and a safe and proper course was not subsequently adopted.

That after the stranding of the vessel, everything was done by the Captain and Officers with a view to the saving of life, and that, had the Captain's advice been followed by all, the unfortunate loss of life would probably not have ensued.

We have also examined the testimonials laid before us by the Master.

After careful deliberation, we consider that the Master is to blame, and we direct that his Certifi- cate be suspended for a period of 4 months from this date.

Given under our hands at Hongkong, this 20th day of February, 1886.

Approved,

W. H. MARSH,

Administering the Government:

R. MURRAY RUMSEY, Ret. Com., R.N., and

President of Court.

GEORGE S. KEIGWIN, Navigating Lieutenant, R.N. THOS. HAMLIN, Master British Steamer “ Amatista.” J. HUTCHISON, Master British Steamer "Memling."

GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION.-No. 73.

Tenders will be received at this Office until Noon of Friday, the 12th March, 1886:-

1. For repairing and channelling 2,230 feet lineal of road from the landing pier at Tsimshatsui

to the Naval Yard, Kowloon.

2. For removing the whole of the rubbish and debris from Crown Land at the back of Inland

Lots 763, 764, 697, and 416.

For forms of tender apply at this Office.

For specifications and further particulars apply at the Surveyor General's Office.

The Government does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender.

By Command,

Colonial Secretary's Office, Hongkong, 27th February, 1886.

FREDERICK STEwart,

Acting Colonial Secretary.