Captain Barnes And
p. 19 · Read in the full issue
A Claim For Damages
WE have been trying to ascertain the verdict of the French Court in Tahiti, which recently action brought against Captain Barnes, proprietor of the Hotel Les Tropiques, by the Messageries Maritimes. Captain Barnes inadvertently sent to a an incorrect report about an MM liner—he reported that she had grounded, whereas in fact she had successfully negotiated a slight fi n ?u nt r. of nav igational bother when in the Pass through the reef which encloses Papeete Harbour. The Co. claimed a million francs in damages, and other penalties, and the Court reserved its decision.
There is in Sydney a report that Captain Barnes was fined a few thousand francs (about £2O in Aus currency); but we cannot confirm it. As is common in French law cases, the authorities concerned display extraordinary coyness m giving any information to the newspapers. fvJ* he £ e i s • a re P° rt from Tahiti that Captain Barnes has appealed against the verdict, whatever it was and is confident that his appeal will be upheld.