NOT ABANDONED.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16349, 5 February 1924, Page 5

NOT ABANDONED.

STRANDED PORT ELLIOT. It is stated that the Port Elliot has not yet been abandoned to the underwriters, and that a notice is fixed on the vessel stating that she has not been abandoned. This does not mean that the vessel will ever get off the reef, for the opinion of all who have seen the wreck at close quarters is that the boat is there for ever. On being questioned on the subject by a Herald reporter this morning, Mr. M. Foster, local agent for Lloyds, said that it was quite true that the Port Elliot had not been abandoned. The reason for the notice being displayed on the vessel was that if it became necessary for the salvage crew to leave the vessel, owing to bad weather, the first person to board her after the abandonment, could lay claim to the vessel. When the notice was displayed stating that the s tehip had not been abandoned, the salvagers could always return to the boat and continue working. The present intention was to salvage everything of value. This would, of course, include many of the fittings, but only such material as could profitably be disposed of, would be taken away. The greater portion of the cargo was now out of the vessel, and a, commencement would soon bo made with dismantling many ot the fittings. A good deal of the cargo was lloating about in the holds, and this was being got out by means of grappling hooks. Many oT the benzine cases had been broken and the contents spilled in the bolds. and the combination of the benzine funics and fhd salt water made work in (he holds very difficult. No difficulty was expected during the remainder of the salvage operations, as the vessel was resting very firmly on the reef. Up to the present time approximately 1103 tons of cargo has been removed from the Port Elliot (states the 11.8. Tribune). This consisted chiefly of general cargo, benzine, kerosene, and motor cars, and has been distributed to Auckland. Gisborne, Napier, and Wellington. About 10,000 cases of benzine have been removed, the Mako taking some to Wellington, and the remainder being taken by the .Awahou. to Auckland. Fittings and the like arc now being stripped.