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HALIFAX DISASTER RECORD OFFICE
CHRONICLE BUILDING
Halifax, N. S.

JOURNAL
February 4, 1918.

THE FINDING.

Mr. Justice Drysdale's finding in the inquiry into the collision between the Mont Blanc and the Imo, which resulted in the great disaster of December 6th, deals mainly with the question of the navigation of the two vessels, and on that point it is specific and emphatic. The explosion is found to have been the result of the collision; the collision, it is declared, was caused by the violation of the rules of navigation, and the pilot and captain of the French steam Mont Blanc, are found to have been wholly responsible for violating the rules of the road.

With reference to the wider question of the ultimate responsibility for the handling of traffic in Halifax Harbor, the report is not so definite, nor does it suggest or recommend that any action should be taken other than that the competent naval authorities should frame specific regulations governing the handling of ships laden with explosives. That it is to be hoped, has already been done, although recent events have left the public still doubtful as to how far it may rely upon official assurances in that respect.

The finding of the Court is presented in a very formal and brief form. It deals with the larger issues involved merely in outline. The action of the Attorney General in instituting criminal prosecutions against those who are charged with the responsibility for the collision or neglect of duty, however, transfers the case to a Court of competent jurisdiction to fix personal responsibility and to inflict punishment therefore. So, in so far as the case involves, those who are made the subject of criminal charges it is removed from the sphere of public discussion. It is now in the hands of the law officers of the Crown who may be relied upon to conduct the inquiry and the trials which may eventuate to the end that justice shall be done without fear or favour.

MG 1 [vol?] 2124 number 90