SALVAGE EXPEDITION

Evening Star, Issue 16994, 17 March 1919, Page 6

SALVAGE EXPEDITION

M -V VARDA EETUKs'S FROM DUSKY SO CUD. A little over three weeks ago iho_ coastal i steamer Manaroa left Dunedin for the West Coast Sounds on a salvage expedi- : non, while a number of excursionists were also taken, down. The OLanaroa was purchased by Messrs Miller .Bros., of Bort Chalmers, who fitted her out for too purpose of carrying out salvage work at the wreck of the steamer Waixaro, in Dusky Sound. The Manaroa, after calling at Bluff on the way south to pick up several excursionists, proceeded to bteveart island, where she took the ketch Water Lily in tow, and then headed for tbs Sounds. She arrived at Dusky Sound on Sunday, March 2. and the excursionists spent several enjoyablo days in cruising about in a laiaicn, while in addition fishing was indulged in. The party visited Cascade Govs, Luncheon Cove, Duck Cove, and many other beautiful scenic spots. A ; start was then made for Milford Sound, but the Manaroa was compelled to return, 1 owing to the high wind and rough soa. Sho then cruised around Wet Jacket Ann, where the excursionists were afforded every opportunity of viewing the wonderful scenery to be seen there. The ship then returned to Luncheon Cove, raid remained two days, the party enjoying themselves to the full with fishing and sight-seeing. Only two rough days were experienced throughout the trip. On the return voyage ii;c steamer had to contend with a strong •lorth-west wind and rou"’. sees from P.-j----rvatian Inlet to Bluff, which maivs mat:era somewhat unpleasa r a r those on ouard. The vessel ori at Bluff on ; Thursday last, where the cncuisionists i landed and proceeded to their homes by i rail. The Manaroa then proceeded to Half Moon Bay {Stewart Island), and after loading’ a quantity oi timber left for Dunedin. She arrived here last evening. | A report of the salvage- operations, as supplied by the Manama's officers, states that the working party commenced on the wreck of the Waikare on Monday morning, March 3. Mr A. Miller donned the div ng suit, and went down. He examined ilia outside of the wreck, looking for likely place# in which to commence operations. The salvage work was proceeded with for the next four days, and the party were successful in recovering several anchors, davits, and parts of hydraulic gear, and other odds and ends, which had evidently been overlooked by previous expeditions. All the material recovered was found by the diver lying on the bottom close to the | wreck. | The salvage party worked from the deck of the Water Lily, which was moored close i to the wreck. When the Manaroa left the ; diver was still engaged in recovering gear from the bottom of the sea. He intended to make a hole in the hull in order to enable him to get inside and recover all the ; fear possible. The Waikare is lying on er port, side, with her bow towards the south. The hull is exposed for about 40ft ( at lew water, and tho party anticipate that ; very little difficulty will be experienced in 1 recovering the fittings and parts of machinery' once the diver was able to work from the inside. The hull naturally, after so many- years of immersion, is thickly covered with marine growth, but otherwise the vessel appears the same as tho dayon which she was beached and capsized”. There is a big hole in the bow, made by a previous salvage party who bad been at work in an endeavor to recover gear and fittings. The Manaroa'# movements have not yet been announced. The vessel will discharge the gear sho broueht froTn the wreck at Port Chalmers. Sim will no doubt subsequently return to Dusky Sound to carry provisions to the working party there, who number five, and to bring back any gear Which has since been salved.