GOLDEN WRECK

Te Aroha News, Volume XLI, Issue 6545, 18 November 1924, Page 1

GOLDEN WRECK

GREAT TREASURE HUNT SUCCEEDS Two small trawlers dragging an iron sweep a mile long on the ocean floor off Virginia Capes, were responsible for the finding of the Ward liner Merida, which. sank in a collision in 1911 with gold, silver and jewels valued at 5,000,000 dollars (£1,000,000). The discovery was confirmed by a diver at a depth of 200 ft. The trawlers immediately returned to Norfolk and notified the Ngw York syndicate of wealthy men under whose direction they worked. One member, Mr Franklin Mallory, admitted the discovery, but another refused to confirm the report. \ The search was made with the utmost secrecy-owng to the fear of piratical crews who prey on rum-run-ners. ■ ' j . Mr Mallory said he would not consider the salvaging a success until the treasure had safely arrived in New York. The trawlers Foam and Spray left Brookly several weeks ago. They dragged for 10 days without success. The Merida was rammed in 1911 by the Admiral Farragut. The passengers and crew were removed safely. Many refugees from Mexico, where a revolt was occurring, lost their jewels. In addition, the ship carried a large quantity of gold consignment to New York by the Mexican Government.