WAIRARAPA SALVAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18601, 8 January 1924, Page 8

WAIRARAPA SALVAGE.

UNDER-WATER OPERATIONS.

LUCK OF THE WEATHER.

/'PLAIN SAILING" REPORTED.

The actual under-water working time of the two divers, Mr. Willian E. Vear and Mr J. M. McKirmon, who for some weeks past have been engaged salving metal and other articles from the wreck of the steamer Wairarapa, now totals about 80 hours. Just over 29 years ago, this Union Line passenger steamer was totally wrecked at the Great Barrier, when bound fom Sydney to Auckland, and a heavy loss of life resulted.

Tho submerged wreck was inspected by Mr. Vear on October 16, and he purchased it from the Marine Department, considering that there was sufficient recoverable material to justify the step. Four trips have been made by the salvors between the wreck and Auckland. Tho launch Oceanic has been employed in the work, and tho scow Katie S. was taken out for one trip, when about 40 tons of metal, including three lengths of intermediate shafting, was brought to port. It is probable that a scow will bo engaged shortly for another cargo. The two divers, who work in partnership, have two other men working with them on a share basis. When extra casual help is needed, Maoris are engaged at the Great Barrier. , In all, about 60 tons of salved material has been landed in Auckland, but there still remains other metal and salvable items to be brought to the surface. The recovery of the anchors and cables from the submerged hull of tho American four-masted schooner, Cecilia Sudden, at Tryphena Bay, Great Barrier, has also engaged the attention of Mr. Vear and his partner. Anchors have been saved from this wreck, but there still remains one anchor and about 240 fathoms of cable to recover. Seen yesterday, Mr. Vear said he had been singularly fortunate as regards the weather, and their trader-water- work had been quite " plain sailing," having regard to the broken nature of some of the wreckage. There had been no trouble from sharks, onlv a couple of small ones having been seen. The tide had not interfered with the diving operations.