DERELICT HULL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 12

DERELICT HULL

EIND AT WHANANAKI PROBABLY LARGE LAUNCH SUBMERGED FOR LONG PERIOD r DENTIFICATION DIFFICULT [by telegram —own correspondent] AVHANGAREI, Friday A derelict hull which is thought to be that of a largo launch, came ashore on the beach in the Whananaki Inlet early yesterday morning during a cyclone, and was examined to-day by Constable W. Butjer, of Hikurangi, in company with Mr. J. Barron, who is one of the oldest settlers in the district. The derelict was noticed by Mr. Barron the previous evening, when it was floating in the harbour, and he immediately communicated with Constable Butler. The woodwork is of kauri and is very heavy, and pieces are about 40ft. in length. There is every indication that the vessel was no ordinary small launch, but a large craft, cither a launch or a yacht. The vessel appears to have been submerged for a long time, and shows definite signs of having been on fire, the timber being considerably burned. Part of the outside was painted white. 'I he engine has apparently rusted out and so allowed the hull to float. Constable Butler and Mr. Barron 1 have gathered all the parts together ! that would assist to identify the vessel, i Mr. Barron, who has resided over- ! looking the sea at Whananaki for very many years, is strongly of the opinion I that the parts are those of a large launch, and to his knowledge the only vessel that has disappeared during the past 20 years was one owned bv a man he believes to be named Walker. This

launch left Auckland for Russell some time about eight years ago, and called at Tutukaka, where it stayed overnight. After leaving Tutukaka it was never heard of again, and Air. Barron considers there is every probability that this is the same launch.