BLAZE ON THAMES

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32362, 30 July 1970, Page 21

BLAZE ON THAMES

Oil Slick Hazard (N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, July 28. An “armada” of small boats in the Thames estuary won a battle last night to save South-East England’s holiday beaches from a huge oil slick which at one time formed a 12-mile-long blazing barrier across the river. . Thousands of gallons of crude oil were released when the 10,123-ton Spanish vessel Monte Ulia collided with a jetty near Canvey Island, ripping away a refinery pipeline. The oil ignited, setting barges and other craft on fire at their moorings. More than 100 firemen fought the fire for three hours before bringing it under control, while tugs and other small boats pumped detergents and emulsifiers on to the oil to break it up.

Arthur’s Pass Park Use An estimated 69,800 persons visited the Arthur’s Pass National Park in the last financial year, says the park board’s annual report to the National Parks Authority. Last year 52,000 visited the park. However, only 12,970 persons made use of the museum and information centre, compared with 14,000 in 1969. Most of the visitors came in tour parties and school groups although there were again many trampers, skiers, climbers, and picnickers.