Salvaging the Port Bowen

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 229, 27 September 1940, Page 7

Salvaging the Port Bowen

VALUABLE MATERIAL FOR V/AR PURPOSES Per Press Association. WANGANUI, Sept. 26. The Port Bowen wreck, which in being dismantled where it is lying close inshore at Castlecliff, Wanganui, was paid a visit of inspection by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Supply, yesterday. In a statement Mr. Sullivan said he was immensely impressed with the value to New Zealand of tho work being done and the progress made, The vessel, he said, contained 8000 tons of material which was being reclaimed—material comprising steel plates, steel angle iron and girders, machinery, refrigerating gear, nautical instruments and a considerable quantity of nonferrous metals which are valuable in normal times but almost beyond price At present when the difficulty of obtaining sufficient supplies of many things constitutes a major problem for the Ministry of Supply. Some 80 men are employed on the work and the Minister was informed by the engineer in charge (Mr. E. J. Dennis, of the Department of Industries and Commerce) that the completion of the debuilding of the vessel will take many more months. The Minister paid tribute to Mr. James Cable, of William Cable and Sons, who as a member of the Munitions Committee made a splendid offer to Government, which offer was accepted, that the plant necessary for debuilding work be supplied by hia firm free of charge and that only 5 per cent, return in wages be asked. ‘ * The undertaking of this work in this way is of great value to the nation,” concluded the Minister.