Not the Joseph Conrad

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 136, 11 June 1936, Page 6

Not the Joseph Conrad

RECENT PASSENGER’S OPINION Per Press ‘Assoeiat'on. f HASTINGS, Last Night. ' The opinion that the wreckage found on tho beach at Porangahau could not have originated front the Joseph Conrad was expressed by Mr W. Falconer, marine engineer, who sailed iu the vessel from Ipswich to Melbourne before she proceeded to New Zealand, and who is at present on a visit to Hastings. Mr Falconer said it was extremely unlikely that tho Joseph Conrad would be in the vicinity of the New Zealand coast, as after going to New Guinea with a party of gold prospectors the skipper had on board, he was anxious to return to England, and would not therefore como back towards the New Zealand coast.

The wreckage did not resemble in the least any equipment which to his knowledge was on board the Joseph Conrad. She had only one small hatch cover, on which was a brass plate with the name of the vessel inscribed. He also did not think the mastblock washed upon tko bcuch last Friday belonged to tho Joseph Conrad, as her blocks were all steel fixtures. More Wreckage Found Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. The mast block at Porangahau has disappeared, apparently having floated out to sea since Friday. Another hatch cover was found by a search party this morning, and apparently it had not been in the water long as tho screws were not rusty. It is slightly smaller than the others, being about 9 feet by IS inches.

Government Steamer Sees No Sign Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. No wreckage at sea iu the vicinity of Porangahau was sighted by the Government steamer Matai, which arrived from the East Coast lighthouses to-day. Captain Burgess, 'master oi the Matai, states that the vessel arrived at Castlepoint from Wellington tho day after the distress rockets were seen. After leaving Castlepoint Captain Burgess zig-zagged the Matai along the coast for about GO miles searching the sea, particularly uear the Bay of Porangahau, but did not sight wreckage or floating oil.