WRECK OF THE NGAHERE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17350, 15 May 1924, Page 12

WRECK OF THE NGAHERE.

DEPTH OF WATER ON BAR. DEVELOPMENTS EXPECTED. (Special to the '' Star.”) GREYMOUTH, May 11. Interesting developments are expected at the magisterial inquiry which will probably be held this week into the wreck of the Nguliere. The striking of the bar by the Regulus, drawing 12it 6in; which left twenty minutes before the Ngahere. drawing loft Tin, grounded on the rocks, is understood to have been substantiated, and if it is brought, out at the inquiry there will be an interesting difference of opinion between the ship's owners and the harbour authorities. Practically no change is noticeable, in the position of the wrecked Ngahere. except that her stern has shitted slightly towards the south-west, the bow heading more towards the beach. As yet. there is no sign of the vessel breaking up, and as the sea has moderated hopes were entertained that the salvaging of the crew’s effects would be accomplished, together with the recovery of the two bags of mails locked in the ship’s safe. The salvage party put out in a rowboat this afternoon, but found the greatest difficulty in negotiating the heavy swell. They could not get aboard, and one of the. men stated that the chances of salvaging anything are very remote. Neither the mails nor the crew r ’s belongings were reclaimed “It is seldom practicable to approach the position occupied by the wreck of the Ngahere by boat, owing to the heavy swell,” stated a gentleman well acquainted with the port. He considered that anft salvage work done would have to he married out by means of the line from the North Tip to the wreck. Asked this morning if the head office had decided upon any line of action

with regard to the salvaging of the J cargo or the disposal of the vessel. I the branch manager of the Union Steam Ship Company (Mr W. B. Cunningham) stated that there was nothing fresh to report yet. The whole question was still under consideration. , but it had not been decided so far to abandon the ship to the underwriters. The officers and men arc stil-. awaiting orders. The preliminary inquiry into the cause of the wreck held yesterday by the Collector of Customs (Mr H. A. "Wild) was completed, and the evidence will be submitted to the “Minister of Marine. Though dependent upon his decision, it is probable that a magisterial inquiry will take place in the ■course of a few' days. Mr Charles Colville, one of the Ngahere greasers, was injured on the knee and instep by timber washing around the deck of the wrecked vessel, and is incapacitated for a few days. He is severely bruised, but- no hones are broken. and he is receiving medical at