LESSONS OF THE WRECK

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 141, 17 June 1922, Page 5

LESSONS OF THE WRECK

AUCKLAND HARBOUR BOARD'S

PROGRESSIVE SCHEME,

(II TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL TO THB POST.)

AUCKLAND, This Day. As an-, outcome of the wreck of the Wiltshire on the Great Barrier Island, the Auckland Harbour Board has commissioned the Harbourmaster (Captain Sergeant) to proceed to England and Europe to inquire about the latest type of salvage tug, fitted with life-saving appliances, arid about wireless outfits for coastal work. Captain Sergeant will leave Wellington by the Ruahine on Wednesday. He has been instructed to visit' the principal ports of Great Britain and Europe and report on their methods. He will make inquiries regarding a new ocean-going salvage tug, and if he sees a suitable one, he is authorised to employ expert advice and report to the board by cable.

Another important matter which Captain Sergeant will investigate is the provision of wireless installations. He will inquire into a scheme whereby a plant with a sending range of aTxrat 50 miles could be installed at Tiritiri, and one of about 100 miles range on the proposed tug. The Harbour Board has men stationed at Tiritiri, but their only communication with the port is "by a telephone wire controlled by the Post and Telegraph Department. The possibilities of establishing direct telephonic or telegraphic ■communication between Tiritiri and Rangitoto and Manukau Heads and Auckland will also be investigated. Although wireless direction-finders are- an innovation, the board has decided to investigate the advantages of establishing them at the port to warn vessels off the coast of their position. Captain Sergeant will be absent about six months, durint; which time Captain Lacy, Deputy Harbourmaster, will :issume authority, with Captain Waiuhouso as denuty harbourmaster.