SPEED TO RESCUE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21144, 20 June 1940, Page 8

SPEED TO RESCUE

SOS CALL ANSWERED MANY SHIPS AND PLANES LINER’S SERVICES UTILISED (By Telegraph.—Special to Time*) WHANGAREI, Thursday As the SOS messages were flashed from the striken Niagara, rescue plans were swiftly organised, and within 15 hours of the explosion all the passengers and crew were safe in Auckland. Numerous coastal ships and aeroplanes assisted, but the victims of the disaster were actuall brought back to port by a large overseas liner, which had diverted its course in response to the radio advice from the shore. A coastal - ship carrying a police detachment, food and medical supplies was despatched from one coastal port, while several launches left the same base. They encountered another coastal ship a little way out to sea, and this vessel also turned to participate in the rescue. Pinnaces and launches from waiting liner rounded up the Niagara’s boats and the victims, many of whom were suffering from cold and exposure, were transferred to a coastal boat, where they received hot drinks and food. Overhead an aeroplane searched the area to see that none of the Niagara’s boats had drifted away. When all the boats had been mustered the coastal vessel proceeded alongside the overseas liner and transferred the entire crew and passengers of the lost ship. This work was completed shortly after 2 p.m. when the rescue liner sailed for Auckland. Extreme care had to be exercised by all ships participating in the rescue work, owing to the suspected presence of mines. Later some minesweepers appeared and commenced the work which led to the detection of a mine.

No trace remains of the Niagara. Oil, deck .fittings and chairs were seen floating on the water shortly after the vessel sunk but they were quickly swept away by the coastal currrents.

WELL JUSTIFIED MINESWEEPER SERVICES FIVE HAVE BEEN FITTED OUT (By Telegraph.— special to Times) WELLINGTON, Wednesday That the services being rendered to New Zealand today by minesweepers completely justified the money spent on them was a claim made by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, during the debate on the Imprest Supply Bill in the House of Representatives tonight. “Sometimes the cost may seem excessive, but the job they did today justifies all the money that has been spent, because they removed a menace to shipping,” declared Mr Jones. “We know that we. have lost one ship, but we might have lost more had there been no minesweepers. “Up to date, five minesweepers have been fitted out at the Naval Base at Auckland, and our thanks are due to the men who, in all weathers, are doing their good work.” The Minister said that in naval matters, New Zealand was doing all she could to help Britain. It was not altogether a question of manpower, but of the right personnel.

Mr Jones said that in the last four years, New Zealand had spent £3.315.902 on naval defence at the Devonport Base. Today there was probably the most modern machinery in New Zealand at the base and 400 men were employedu Thanks to extensions and new equipment, it had been possible to do work never considered before. Two major refits had been carried out, which in the past would have involved the ships returning to England.