THE WRECKED WILTSHIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1922, Page 7

THE WRECKED WILTSHIRE.

QUESTION OP SALVAGE. AWAITINC ADVICE FROM LONDON, With a view to undertaking salvage operations in connection with the Wilt shire. Mr. (;. C. Wright, representative oi the London Salvage Association. ( iiptain Plunkett. Lloyd's surveyor, and •Mr. liybertson. of Mes-r-. Campliell ami Khrenfried. agent- fur Lloyd-, visited the wreck on Thursday and relumed to Auekbuul yesterday afternoon. They were unable to approach ihe wreck from the seaward side owing to the rough weather and -went to Tiyphena. proceed ins; overland to Rosalie Uay. They were. therefore, placed al somewhat of a disadvantage in coming to definite plan-, but liiey stated this morning that the whole matter oi salvaging the cargo was in train. Tiicy were awaiting advice trom London, and wine ready to pro eeed with the work at a moment's notice.

PORT IMPROVEMENTS. HARTIOnrtMASTER Tn VISIT KX<.r.Axr>. The Auckland Harbour Hoard bus commissioned Captain If. 11. Sergeant to visit England and the principal ports of the Continent to inquire about the latest type of salvage tug. wireless telephony and telegraphy, and mutters that will be uf benefit to the port of Auckland generally. This is the result of the wreck nf tbe Wiltshire at the (ilea; Harrier. Captain Sergeant ibis morning stated I that he was going t«' inspect the ports! uf tireal Britain first and ascertain the latest, improvements that have been installed. Ife will visit Trinity Hou.se and gather the most recent information in connection with navigation, including lights, buoys, and signals. Wireless will be gone into extensively in view of the establishment of a network of radio telegraph or telephone stations on points, including Tiri Tiri. Rangitoto quarries. Manukau Heads aud the tug. which will he stationed at Auckland. The Harbour Board has men stationed at Tiri Tiri. but. their only communication is by telephone through the Posi Office. He will therefore inquire as to whether a wireless telephone or a wireless instrument would be most suitable fo r such points. Although wireless direction finders are an innovation he will investigate them with a view to placing them in the various shore stations and lighthouses. A vessel could then find out her bearings by getting into communication with any two of them. Dry docks will also lie viewed, and the latest live-saving appliances will be inquired into. If a suitable tug comes under his notice he has been authorised to call expert opinion in regard to her machinery and report to the board by cable.

His Excellency, the Governor-General, has taken a very keen interest in this matter, and is giving Captaint Sergeant letter, to the admirals in charge of naval docks, which should be of great !>enefU to him. The information gathered should not only lie of assistance to the Auckland Harbour Board, but to every port in the Dominion.

Captain Sergeant will also report; on the question of trawlers for the City Council. The Mayor, Mr. J. IT. Gunson. -tated that the council had not decided on any policy, but had asked Captain Sergeant to report on this class of vessel so that the information might lie available if required.

Captain Sergeant will leave Auckland on Tuesday to join the Remuera at Wellington. Captain G. TT. Lacy will act as harbourmaster in the meantime, with Captain Wainhouse as deputy harbourmaster.