THE MANAIA WRECK.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 14 June 1926, Page 12

THE MANAIA WRECK.

PASSENGERS REACH AUCKLAND. By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, Juno 12. The Ngapuhi readied Auckland with tlio Munnia’s passengers .shortly before 11 o’clock last night. Passengers interviewed said the wreck was unattended by any ogn of panic. The only indication that anything was amiss wa.s tbe sudden grinding of tile ship as she piled on the icef, bard and last. Though all the passengers looked, tired, scarcely any showed serious sign* of their experience. Passengers said that tbe Manaia, when they left her at 2 o’clock yes terday afternoon, bad a decided fist. The work of salvaging luggage and cargo was in pi ogress, but a later report is that tlio cvew left tlio wrecked vessel in the schooner Alotn. “What wo need more than anything is sleep,” said one of tlio passengers. “None of us has had any since last night, though some were able to dozo l'or a couple of hours on the Ngapuhi.” Tlie steamer Alarania for Sydney, was delayed to take those passengers who were coming by the Manaia to join her, and transferred to . the Ngapuhi. The main concern of those transferring to tho Alarama was the safety of their luggage. Tin's wa.s naturally somewhat disorganised, but the officials worked hard, and few passengers boarded their new ship dissatisfied. All pay tribute to the conduct, of tbe women and children, particularly the children, when the ship struck. Olio passenger remarked: “The kiddies just stood by without a murmur.” “Tlio luckiest feature of the mishap” said n member of a theatrical company, “was the fine weather. Had there been a south easterly, there would not have been so many of ns to tell the tale.” .He added that the general impres - sinn was that the Manaia was hold up by only one rock. The passage on the Ngapuhi was described as comfortable, and warm Tributes were paid to the officers and crew of tho vessel. At 9.20 p.m. yesterdav the captain of the Manaia reported that the Manaia’* stokehold and engine-room were flooded. Some of flm crew were being transferred to tlio Rimu, which was standing by. LITTLE HOPE OF SALVAGE. By Toieerapit-—Press Association AUCKLAND, June 12. But little hope is entertained of the salvaging of the Alanaia. Advice from Qaptain Norbury lato last night stated that the vessel was badly holed ioryvard. The water in tho holds was rising rapidly. Tlio vessel’s bow is so far on the reef, and there is no immediate danger of her sinking. Tho sea was smooth. A great deal of cargo in the after - 1 holds had been transferred to the scow Alotn. A message received at 11.5 p.m. stated that the Riiiiu had taken off tho crew, with tlio exception of live, who are staying aboard. Ail inspection of the Alanaia this morning showed the hull to he badl.v damaged and full of water. The cargo is floating about in tho holds. Hie “Star’s” representative on the Rimu, wirelesses that the. vessel’s nose is on the rocks and is held in position bv two bow anchors. Everything possible has been transferred to the Rimu —the ship’s compass and binnacle, dinner chairs, clocks, carpels, pieces of machinery and cargo. The ALmain and Rinu are connected by lines and the boats make trips without tlie use ol oars. ll'c underwriters’ representative .says tlio rent in the ALinnia’s bottom is considerable. but tlie extent of the damage will not he known until examined bv a diver. ' | I

CAPTAIN’S STORY. By Tblp£i\h>li—Press Association . AUCKLAND, June 12 Captain Nortbury, master of the Alanaia says that the steamer struck the rocks during a. blinding rain storm. Ihe passengers behaved splendidly. At first it wa.s thought possible that the ship might slide hack into deep water, so he kept the screws goi'im but now that the hull lias settled down on the rocks, there is no chance of slippiimoil'. ” 'I he weather is now ideal for Kalva'q. work. ”'