“NOT SERIOUS”

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 82, 31 December 1929, Page 10

“NOT SERIOUS”

PILLAGE OF MANUKA WRECK POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT A denial that the washed-up wreckage of the ill-fated steamer Manuka had been subjected to serious pillage was made .yesterday by the Commissioner of Police (Mr. W. B. Mcllveney), in a report furnished by him at the instance of the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward). Mr. Mcllveney’s report was as follows :— “With reference to the statements published in T‘he Dominion’ regarding the wreckage from the Manuka, inquiries from the Customs and police authorities at Dunedin indicate that the newspaper reports are very much exaggerated, though one or two cases of alleged pillage have been reported. Under the provisions of the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, the Collector of Customs at Dunedin has been appointed a Deceiver of Wreck, anc. he has authority under the Act to take such steps as he considers necessary for the preservation of the wreckage. There is a Customs officer at the scene of the wreck, and the constable at Owaka is keeping in touch with him so as to render assistance if required. “It is reported that there is very little coming ashore of any value. Various fbose articles of apparel have been, washed up' in a valueless condition, and only one package of luggage has been recovered, and that has been delivered to the owner. The only cargo of any value that has been washed ashore consists of some drums of oil, four motor tires, and a cask of wine. These goods, if not sold by the underwriters will be disposed of by the Customs officer. Any cases of alleged pillage will be inquired into, but in view of the small value of the wreckage, the detailing of additional officers to patrol the beaches is not warranted.”