DUSKY SOUND EXPEDITION

Evening Star, Issue 16987, 8 March 1919, Page 6

DUSKY SOUND EXPEDITION

<► FIRST MESSAGE ARRIVES. REPORT FAVORABLE. A fortnight ago the coastal steamer Manaroa, accompanied by the auxiliary ketch Water Lily, left Port Chalmers for Dusky Sound via Bluff. It was a salvaging expedition. The expedition •was primarily intended to recover gear from the wrecked steamer Waikare, which was loot in Dusky Sound while- on an excursion trip, but some passengers were carried on the Manaroa, these passengers taking advantage of the trip to the famous Sounds, as they foresaw much possible pleasure available whilo the salvaging operations were proceeding. It will bo remembered that the Waikare was returning through the Sounds after having been as far as Milford Sound, and that she struck a submerged pinnacle of rock, which pierced her bottom, this necessitating her prompt beaching on Stop Island, near where pjtc met the mishap. She subsequently toppled over and sank, a portion of her starboard side, however, remaining above water. This was tho position she was in when the Moura arrived from Port Chalmers to bring back the excursionists, who had left the place for Bluff, however, before she arrived. Some of the experts from the Union Company repair works went on the Moura, and they remained behind to ascertain whether salvage operations were practicable, but they were not favorably impressed with the prospects. Some time afterwards a Bluff syndicate purchased the wreck with a view to salvage, but they were unsuccessful. Abo.it six months ago, however, Messrs Miller Bros., Ltd., of Port Chalmers, purchased tho wreck from tho Bluff syndicate, aftor a visit of inspection to Dusky Sound. Mr Robert Miller, who is well known as an expert diver, went from here In charge of tho Manaroa-Water Lily salvaging expedition. Yesterday afternoon a message from him was received at the firm's headquarters at Port Chalmers per carrier pigeon. The message is as follows : Stop Island, Dusky Sound, 3/3/19. Both vessels reached here after a good passage. The divers have already recovered! a quantity of gear, and the work is progressing satisfactorily, despite heavy winds. Fish are plentiful, and some good- catches have been landed. Tho passengers and all on board both vessels are well. Except for the strong winds, tho weather is good.