SHIPPING COMPANY’S REPLY.

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 70, 15 December 1939, Page 6

SHIPPING COMPANY’S REPLY.

Expert Advice Followed

The Invercargill manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, Mr. P. L. Hodge, made the following comment on that portion of the statement above by the chairman of the Bluff Harbour Board, referring to the salvage operations :— “The chairman refers to the loss of time in commencing salvage of cargo,” said Mr. Hodge, ‘‘but actually no time was lost. There was no waiting for underwriters to make up their minds, as is asserted in the statement.

“The shipowner is in authority to undertake salvage work on behalf, and at the expense of all concerned at his own discretion, but his paramount obligation is to ensure that the cost of operations will not exceed the realizable value of the salvage effected. “The position at the W’aikouaiti was that experienced men, including the Union Company’s local marine superintendent from Dunedin, were of opinion during the first two days that as the Waikouaiti was liable to slip off the rocks and sink, it was out of the question to place men on board. It had been considered necessary to land the master and skeleton crew remaining aboard. “When it became apparent that the Waikouaiti was settling down and might be held temporarily, salvage work was begun promptly, notwithstanding numerous difficulties and in ’face of the obligation to be certain that expenditure Incurred would not exceed the value of the salvage. “The assertion of the ehairman of the board that the motor-vessel Gale could have been placed alongside the Waikouaiti to receive cargo is contrary to the practical facts. The idea was carefully considered; but compet-ent-nautical advice was that it was far too risky, which is confirmed by the fact that the harbour board itself refused to allow its tug to be used because of the condition of the Waikouaiti.”

Mr. Hodge concluded by emphasizing that the Union Company maintained on its staff in New Zealand men who were fully experienced in all aspects of ship salvage, and he expressed the opinion that no organization wits bettor qualified to handle to the advantage of all concerned a position such as arose when the Waikouaiti stranded on Dog Island.