THE GOLDEN HARVEST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21985, 21 June 1933, Page 7

THE GOLDEN HARVEST

♦ ESCAPE OF OIL THE OWNERS’ RESPONSIBILITY. (Per United Press Association.i WELLINGTON, June 20. An aftermath of the striking of the Golden Harvest on Barrett’s Reef three weeks ago is the slaughter of thousands of shellfish in the harbour and damage to the seawalls and foreshores, and, in a minor degree, to the small craft in the boat harbour. During the past few days the boat harbour and the water in the vicinity of the baths have been covered with oil, said to be due to leakage from the tanks of the Golden Harvest. The inner and outer walls of the boat harbour are black with oil, and for a few days the foreshore was in a terrible state. Sand, sawdust, and mops were brought into use in order to remove the broad track of black grease left by the tide. Previously up to high water mark the walls were inches deep in mussels and other small shellfish, but the oil has been fatal to them. Men have now been put to work prising them off, a job which will keep them busy for some days. Captain J. Spence, harbourmaster, stated to-day that when the Golden Harvest was placed in the floating dock a considerable quantity of oil escaped. Scrim was placed all round the dock to prevent it spreading, but a considerable quantity was lost with the wind. Some of the oil reached the shore as far as Ngaliauranga Gorge, and the owners of the ship have had'men employed cleaning it up all round the harbour. It is an expensive job getting rid of oil from all the sea walls and other places where it had penetrated, and the cost will fall on the owners of the vessel. “ The cause was accidental,” said Captain Spence, “ hut the owners of vessels allowing oil to escape while in harbour are liable to heavy penalties.” I ■ .... *