Page 85 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 14 - 18

about the look-out and seeing the berg. Just let me read you what Mr. Lightoller said. It is page 343, my Lord. Mr. Lightoller is asked this at Question 14884: “Did you have any talk with Fleet, the look-out man? - (A.) On the “Carpathia”? (Q.) Yes? - (A.) Yes. (Q.) He has not been called yet, but you might tell us what he said? - (A.) I asked him what he knew about the accident, and induced him to explain the circumstances. He went on to say that he had seen the iceberg so far ahead. I particularly wanted to know how long after he struck the bell the ship’s head moved, and he informed me that practically at the same time that he struck the bell he noticed the ship’s head moving under the helm. (Q.) That is what you told us before? - (A.) Yes. (Q.) Did he tell you anything else? - (A.) With regard to distance? (Q.) No, with regard to weather or conditions? - (A.) Oh, yes. He said it was clear. (Q.) That is really what I wanted to know. - (A.) Oh, yes. (Q.) Did he say anything about haze? - (A.) No, he never said anything about haze. (Q.) He never complained about haze, or anything of that sort? - (A.) No.” Is that right? - Well, I am not going to tell him my business. It is my place in Court to say that, not to him. 17476. (The Commissioner.) You really do not understand. That gentleman is not trying to get round you at all? - But some of them are, though. The Commissioner: They are not, indeed. I can see you think most of us are, but we are not. We only want to get from you your own story. We want nothing else. 17477. (Sir Robert Finlay.) You know Mr. Lightoller? - Certainly I do. 17478. Did you have any conversation with him? - Yes. The Commissioner: That is all we want to know. Mr. Harbinson: There are a couple of questions suggested by Sir Robert Finlay’s examination I should like to put. Examined by Mr. HARBINSON. 17479. Did I understand rightly that when you left the boat deck there were some women left behind on the boat deck? - [No Answer.] The Witness: (After a pause.) Is there any more likes to have a go at me? The Commissioner: Well, I rather sympathise with him. Do you want to ask him anything more? The Attorney-General: Oh, no. The Witness: A good job, too. 17480. (The Commissioner.) I am much obliged to you. I think you have given your evidence very well, although you seem to distrust us all. The Witness: Thank you. (The Witness withdrew.) The Attorney-General: I have been looking to see what this eyesight test was that has been spoken of. There is none obligatory on the men, but under the regulations relating to the examination of masters and mates in the marine under the Board of Trade. There is a rule which says that any person serving or intending to serve in the Mercantile Marine, if desirous of undergoing an examination for form vision or colour vision must make application, and he pays a fee of one shilling, and then he can be examined and get a certificate. It is purely voluntary. The Commissioner: Is that what you were referring to? Mr. Scanlan: Yes, my Lord. I am informed that the rule is not carried out. The Attorney-General: It is not obligatory; it has nothing whatever to do with the men, but it is a test imposed upon masters and mates, and there is a superintendent who applies a test for that purpose.