CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1942, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE

THE NIAGARA

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —With reference to the article in the "Evening Post" of Monday, "Treasure From the Sea." While it is quite correct that under .the authority of the Royal New Zealand Naval Authorities I was able to render some assistance to the salvage company engaged on this most difficult job of deepwater salvage, I feel that the assistance given in many directions by New Zealand should, and no doubt will, receive its modicum of publicity and appreciation.

1. The.salvage party had found difficulty in cutting steel at this depth until the New Zealand Naval Authorities released special explosive. My humble task was to instruct them to use it successfully dn steel plates and girders at 438 feet depth.

2. Acting under the authority of the Naval Board I was permitted to dive on the wreck Niagara in August, 1941, for the purpose of inspecting and advising the salvage leader on the extremely delicate operation of forcing the bullion room, and even more important to obtain a report from personal observation of the mine damage.

3. Suitable moorings and gear were practically unobtainable. This was supplied by the New Zealand Naval Authorities during the latter and most critical stage of the work.

In conclusion may I in my modesty point out that I was a Gunner (Warrant Officer) in *he Temeraire at the Battle of Jutland!—l am, etc.,

H. A. HAYNES