RONA MAY COME OFF ROCK TO-DAY

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 234, 29 June 1922, Page 8

RONA MAY COME OFF ROCK TO-DAY

PROSPECTS GOOD IF FINE WEATHER HOLDS DIVER’S ESTIMATE OF DAMAGE BY TELEGBAPH.—PBESS ASSOCIATION. Auckland, June 28. The weather to-day was all that could be desired for discharging work at the Rona, but the work was somewhat retarded owing to a shortage of lighters. v Tho captain reports that an effort to refloat the Rona will be made at 11 a.m. to-morrow. If the weather continues fine, success is assured. The manager of the Sugar Company states that the reports give him every confidence. A FRESHENING WIND EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE. ' Later. About 600 tons of molasses is being jettisoned from the Rona. The diver repoi'ts that the hull is buckled from tho stem to the middle of No. 1 hold, a length of about 60 feet, extending upwards from the keel about 20 feet. '■ The latest advice is that the wind is freshening from the north, on the Rona’s starboard quarter, but it is still moderate. To prevent the vessel moving, a tug is steaming to windward, with a line from the Rona’s quarter. Progress to port will be slow, owing to the necessity of avoiding undue pressure. 'Hie cargo is valued at about £158,000. MESSAGE TO MINISTER OF INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE. The Minister of Industries and Commerce received the following _telegram in regard to tho Rona- to-day i* If the present fine weather continues 1750 *>ns of sugar will be discharged by 10 a m -Thursday, when the captain expects to float off. Everything is proceeding satisfactorily, and 630 tons are now in harbour being discharged at Qbelsea.”