Port Bowen Weathers Storm

Northern Advocate, 31 July 1939, Page 4

Port Bowen Weathers Storm

[Per Press Association. Copyright.'] WANGANUI, Saturday.

The westerly gale which blew yesterday and last night dropped this morning, and the sea is moderating. The position of the Port Bowen is unaltered, and the vessel has weathered the storm without damage to the hull. There was steam in the aft boilers yesterday, and the refrigerators are working. Practically all the salvage gear necessary is now on hand. Should power on the steamer fail, portable boilers have been set up to keep the refrigerators going, and to preserve the valuable cargo of meat and butter, the latter alone valued at about £70,000. There are signs that the weather is moderating, and efforts are being made to have everything ready for the recommencement of work on the steamer Port Bowen, which has been aground since July 19. ! The vessel remains close in shore and undamaged, but until the seas are calm and soundings have been I taken nothing can be done, i A large steam hauler weighing 20 tons has arrived from a King Country sawmill, and will be taken from a railway truck at Castlecliff to the beach opposite where the Port Bowen is stranded, and will be used there for hauling purposes. A decision was reached yesterday afternoon that the tugs Lyttelton 11, Terawhiti and Toia are to return home and will be recalled when necessary.