THE MANAIA

Southland Times, Issue 19896, 15 June 1926, Page 7

THE MANAIA

SALVAGE WORK A STRENUOUS TIME VESSEL IN HOPELESS POSITION. (Special to the Times.) Auckland, June 14. Owing to the obviously hopeless position of the steamer Manaia it was decided to transfer as many articles of value as pos- ; sible to the relief steamer, Rimu, and how well this work was carried out is shown by the fact that the Rimu has brought several thousand of pounds worth of goods of all descriptions to Auckland. The salvage gang consisted of the entire crew of the Manaia assisted by several shipwrights and officials, of the Northern Steamship Company and the Auckland Harbour Board. Four lifeboats from the Manaia were kept busy transferring the gear. Armed with sledgehammers and cold chisels the salvage gang spread out on the wreck and attacked the fastenings of all available fixtures. Compasses and the binnacle were among the first to go. Dozens of wash basin cabinets were removed from the cabins with electric fittings, velvet cushions, matttresses and carpets. The revolving saloon chairs yielded to screwdriver and hammer and the piano was early over the side. The chief steward and his assistants collected the silver and crockery and the cook stripped the galley. Several engineers weilded spanners on portable parts of the engine and meters, valves and bronze parts were removed. Block and tackle was utilised to retrieve a steam pipe about 10 inches in diameter and 15 feet in length. Even the portable frames were torn from their rivets. Discretion had to be exercised and much that was valuable had to be left. After using the wireless set until the batteries were exhausted the second steward of the Manaia supervised its removal, even the aerial being lowered from the mast. ’The gear was hoisted into the holds of the Rimu until both were full. The Manaia’s four remaining lifeboats and two rafts were then hoisted on to the Rimu’s decks, completing a very energetic day of salvage. DISCHARGING SALVAGED CARGO. VESSEL TO BE SOLD. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, June 14. At the Northern wharf this morning the steamer Rimu and the auxiliary scow Motu were busily engaged in discharging salvaged cargo from the Manaia. The Motu, which was the first vessel to arrive at the scene of the wreck, reached Auckland on Saturday morning. When standing by on Friday a quantity of cargo, including a number of bales of hemp, was taken out of the Manaia’s after hold and stored on board the scow. On learning that the Rimu had been despatched from Auckland, and in view of the fact that the Manaia was in no immediate danger, the Motu left Slipper Island for the city on Friday afternoon. The Manaia, as is the case with all other vessels of the Northern Company’s fleet, was covered by an A.T.L.O. (total loss only) policy, the amount of which is not at present available. The value of the vessel was something over £20,000. At a conference of directors of the company and underwriters held this morning it was decided that the Manaia be offered for sale as she now lies. Her cargo will not be included in the sale.