STRANGE SALVAGE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1847, 31 July 1907, Page 44

STRANGE SALVAGE

VISIT TO AN OLD WRECK. DISCOVERIES UNDER THE SEA. A few days ago an expedition was organised by Mr E. C. Perano, of Picton, and Mr Alex. M. Glow, of Wellington, with a view to exploiting the wreck of the steamer Rangitoto, off Jackson’s Head. The vessel met her doom on July 31st, 1873. The wreck of the vessel has almost been forgotten, although some of the older identities occasionally discussed the possibility of recovering the cargo of copper plates which was supposed to have been the freight of the Rangitoto when she went to the bottom. The. Rangitoto, a screw iron steamer or 475 tons, was owned by the Panama and New Zealand Royal Mail Company, and was a well-known passenger and cargo trader between Australia and New Zealand ports. _ A plan for salvaging the cargo oi copper was arranged recently, and the services of Diver F. Dixon, of Wellington, and his attendant, J. Harrington were eecured. Mr Gow^s Siebo Gorman divniggear, used at the Elingamite wreck two years ago, was taken to Picton. lne party left Picton in the small steamer Elsie last Tuesday morning, and although the weather was unsuitable, owing to a heavy easterly sea, Mr Perano took the Elsie over the wreck, and Diver Dixon, on going down, at once discovered the Rangitoto. _ The vessel wa3 almost hidden by a thick growth of kelp, she had a slight list, and her two iron masts had fallen to the side. It was necessary to cut away the kelp before access could be gained to the vessel s hold. About 30ft of the iron plates near the keel had been ripped off by chafing on the rocks where she now lies. Dixon reports that the engines are in a wonderful state of preservation, although thickly encrusted with submarine growth. The after-hold was found to be almost full of loose bottles of beer (in stone bottles), sherry, Martell’s brandy, Hennessy’s brandy, claret, sarsaparilla, and sodawater. Apparently the cases m which the drinkables had been packed had rotted away, and the bottles had rolled into layers without breaking. Although search was made for the copper, no signs of any were discovered. The forehold contained cases of assorted hardware and seme rolls of cloth. One case, containing 3cwt of hammers, rules, window-catches, etc., was salvaged, and samples of each of the liquors wore also taken on to the Elsie. The beer, sherry, sarsaparilla, claret, and sodawater were found to have improved cou-

siderably by their immersion, but th© brandy had a decidely “ corky” flavour, which rendered the liquor unpalatable. Some crockery and glassware bearing the impress of the steamship company was also rescued in good condition. Dixon inspected the strong room —and found a family of crayfish. No money was discovered, ais apparently the bullion and specie had been removed before tho ship was abandoned. The wreck presented to the diver a weird spectacle, resting on the bottom of th® sea. The Elsie was cleverly handled by Mr Perano, and the diver was able to pursue his investigation for nearly tho whole day.