FATE OF THE EMDEN.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 25 May 1915, Page 2

FATE OF THE EMDEN.

MAY YET JOIN AUSTRALIAN

NAVY

Great expectations are based by the Navy Office on salvage operations on the battered Emden (says the Melbourne correspondent of the Sydney Sun). The notorious raider has been visited by several trading vessels since she was beached and burned under the Sydney's . fire, and exoerienced mariners claim that she can be re-floated. This view is not held by naval men who bSarded the Emden to secure relics for the Federal Government. They have reported that the wreck is hard and fast ashore, and that if 'she were pulled back into deeo water she would sink. The conflict of authority •will »ot be'settled until the salvers get to work. Already several offers, including those of well-known N Sydney firms, have been received by the Naval Board, and one Australian "engineering hrm has expressed confidence that it can patch up the vessel's bottom and slide her off the sands. The ship was •not holed below the water-line, and her hull should be in good condition. The fire on board damaged the machinery, but. the engines are said to be better than scrapiron. HM.S Cadmus, which visited the JLmcien from Singapore, reports that eight big guns are still on board, and that a vast quantity of good metal can be salved. Another report states that tne Emden has been moving backwards and forwards with thl tide, swinging-slightly on her sand It vr nilen ttus news came tQ hand the JNavy pfnce cabled to Cooos Island to ascertain whether the wreck was still there. The answer* came, "Hard I and fast.'' > ' ftf | he Admi ra it y has given the Navy 2- + wi? ull P°T er t0 do what it Hkes J"th the wreck and it is hoped that the Commonwealth will get, not only many interesting and valuable relics ?i?l ?u SQ?Mfo, but also a . ship w ell worth patching up for future use in that case the salvers will be proferly compensated. ...