Page 166 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 14 - 18

leaving, at the last moment. 18937. Now, I want you to tell me about this light that you rowed for. Your impression is that that was not the light of the “Californian”? - That is my impression. 18938. Now, will you just give me your reasons for that? - Because it was a dull white light. 18939. On which side of the “Titanic”? - When we left the ship it would be on the starboard side. 18940. Did the light continue to be visible as you rowed on in its direction? - We rowed on, and we thought the light became more distinct, and then it seemed to draw away from us again. 18941. Did you see anything of the light on the port side of the “Titanic” which has been so much referred to? - I did not. 18942. Anyhow, in your judgment, that is not the same light which has been referred to as on the port side? - I do not think so. 18943. (The Commissioner.) I am afraid I misunderstood the answer that you gave yesterday - have you any doubt, having heard the evidence, that the “Californian” did see the rockets from the “Titanic”? - Have I any doubt that the “Californian” saw them? 18944. Yes, saw the rockets from the “Titanic”? - Judging from the evidence, I should say not. 18945. Judging from the evidence you would say -? - That our rockets were seen by the “Californian.” 18946. I thought yesterday I misunderstood you. Your opinion is that the rockets sent up from the “Titanic” were seen by the people on board the “Californian”? - Yes, from what I have read. Sir Robert Finlay: I thought there had been a little misapprehension. The Commissioner: Yes. 18947. (Sir Robert Finlay.) It is perfectly clear now. (To the Witness.) Now, a question with regard to one point. Are you aware that there is considerable difference of view with regard to the use of glasses by the look-out men? - Yes. 18948. Some commanders approve and others do not? - Yes. 18949. And you always supply glasses for the look-out men if the commanders desire it? - Certainly. 18950. And you have left it in that way? - Absolutely. 18951. Now, you were asked about the instructions you gave to your officers with regard to the navigation of the vessel and so on, whether there were any specific directions about ice. Now, the instructions, I think, are contained partly in the “Ships’ Rules” - that book which has been handed in - partly in the letter which is given to the officer on appointment to the vessel? - Yes. 18952. And partly also in a notice which is stuck up in the chart room? - Every ship is supplied with one of those printed notices. It is framed and put up in the chart room. 18953. I will not stop to read these just now; they can be read afterwards. Some part certainly ought to be read, but I wish to identify the documents. This is the book of rules, which, of course, requires no further identification. Then is this (Handing a paper to the Witness.) the letter given to every commander on appointment? - Yes. (The same was handed in.) 18954. And is this the notice which is stuck up in every chart room (Handing same to the Witness.)? - Yes. (The same was handed in.) 18955. There is nothing specifically directed to the question of ice in any of these regulations? - No. 18956. That is left to the discretion of the Commander? - Certainly. 18957. How long had Captain Smith been known to you and to your Company? - He had been in the service 32 years, I think. 18958. Had you seen a good deal of him? - I had.