WILTSHIRE SALVAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 129, 1 June 1923, Page 3

WILTSHIRE SALVAGE.

AN UNPROFITABLE WORK. CUSTOMS CEASE SUPERVISION. The Customs Department has given up supervision of the salvage operations at the scene of tho Wiltshire wreck, ou the Great Barrier Island, and the officer of the Department; who was on duty there during March, April and May, returned to Auckland yesterday. So little cargo has been salvaged from the wreck since the beginning of the year that it has 'been found unproiitable to the Department to carry on. Supervision of any cargo salvaged in tbe future will be exercised at Auckland. ■

The salvage operations h:ive been carried on by Mr. G. C. Wright, salvage expert, of Queensland, who lias had two divers for under-water work. Ifyjavy easterly weather has interfered with the work at frequent and prolonged intervals, and much labour has been expended in removing the wreckage and rubbish that is deposited at such times on the sunken hull of the vessel. Scows have been engaged to assist the divers from above water, mid to bring the salvagfvl cargo to Auckland, but thpir arrivals have become so infrequent that only threo or four have come in Rinee Christmas. It is not known at present what are Mr. Wright's intentions regarding the continuance of the work ■which has been carried on under his direction.