SECOND EDITION.

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 June 1922, Page 2

SECOND EDITION.

WILTSHIRE DISASTER.

THE WRECK VISITED.

[Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, June 5. A message received from Tryphena says: After the departure of the Katoa on Saturday, a launch party, including two postal officials took advantage of the improved weather conditions to visit the wreck- Compg suddenly into view from behind a high promontory at an angle of approach that silhouetted the steamer agams the horizon the Wiltshire presents a striking spectacle. Her once magni - cent interior or what remains of it, lies exposed to every whim of the sea. The steamer has divided into three sections, the lines of separation being directly under the bridge, and immediately behind the funnel. As she is ' now, the latter part has already disappeared, but the middle section has . been telescoped forward with sufficient i force to bring it 30 feet over the for- ; ward hatches. This part of the ship • remains on an even keel, but the bow ’ section has a heavy list to starboardL The viewpoint that takes in only this 1 forward portion of the ship, is in diJ rect contrast to the impresssion ac- ) quired at the rear, where the muffled s clang of loose swaying metal strikes J ominously upon the ear. It is easy 3 to be misled into the fancy that one 1 is looking at a purposely moored and temporarily deserted vessel. It seems ’ evident that the next easterly storm 1 will detach the partly severed middle portion of the wreck, and send it to the bottom. The forward part will then be exposed to the full fury of every recurring gale. This portion, owing to its being embedded, will probably remain in its present position for some tim®. The Wiltshire’s men spent a pleasant afternoon at Government House 1 yesterday, and were entertained at ;- afternoon tea by their Excellencies, f both of whom chatted with them, "and listened to very interesting stories of a the dreadful ordeal. Prayers of thanksgiving for the safe deliverance of the Wiltshire’s officers and men were offered at the morning services at St Mary’s Cathedral yesterday. The .. Governor-General attended, and coms municated to the Vicar a request from I Captain Hayward that prayers should e be offered. Thanksgivings were also offered in other churches. The inquiry into the cause of the wreck will be heard at Auckland as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. The composition of the Court has not yet been decided. Advice received by the Chief Postmaster, Auckland, states th?.t altogether 41 bags of the Wiltshire’s mails 1 drifted ashore and were recovered. L3 m imHIWUMM MHHIIIMIwmi IBM