WRECK OF TONGARIRO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16331, 11 September 1916, Page 9

WRECK OF TONGARIRO

VALUABLE CARGO LOST.

LARGE QUANTITY OF RENNET.

HOPE FOR ITS RECOVERY.

[BY TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.]

NAPIER, Saturday. It is not generally known -that included in the cargo on the wrecked Tongariro were 80 10-gallon casks of rennet, an importation largely used in the production of cheese. Recent shortages of this material made New Zealand prices rise rapidly to an extent previously unknown, and today rennet is quoted at £4 per gallon. Approximately each of the casks on the Tongariro contained at least 10 gallons, which makes the total value of the shipment at least £3200.

There were also 300 casks of whisky on board the Tongariro, and, as both these products float, and are also extremely valuable, a keen look-out is being kept at the scene of the wreck for casks. At the time of the wreck the knowledge that there was so much rennet on board was limited, otherwise an effort would have first been made to secure it for the sake of keeping the cheese industry going. So far, however, only one or two casks have been picked up, but it is hoped that the remainder will be freed quickly, so that it may rise to the surface.

The quantity of bulk whisky so far picked up is SO casks. Derricks were removed from the Tongariro, and much othor salvage secured.

The magisterial inquiry into the circumstances connected with the wreck of tho Tongariro has been definitely fixed for Thursday morning at ten o'clock.