ATTEMPT TO RECOVER MORE NIAGARA GOLD

Chronicle (Levin), 15 March 1947, Page 3

ATTEMPT TO RECOVER MORE NIAGARA GOLD

-P"'iss Association

By Telearavh-

AUCKLAND, ALur. 14. A 14(1 to recover from the bed of the J'aciiic Oceau, .'i.") bars of gold still lying embedded in the wreek of the Niagara, DU niiJes from Whangarei heads, may be made late this year by Mr. Joli'n Johnstone, the celebrated deep sea diver who took a prominent part in the original salvage in 1941 and who was recently engaged on the task of refioating the Wanganella. it is possible fresh salvage attempts will be combined with a scientilic expedition to study marine life at depths previously unprobed off the New Zealand coast. Mr. Johnstone will deseeud 43S feet to the wreck in a new steel diving bell lie lias designed specially for the purpose. "Ever since we ceased operations.in 1941 I have had plans for an improved bell at the back of my niind, ' ' he said. ' ' Scatt'ered amid the wreek the reniaining gold is wortli £135,000. It is still the property of the Bank of England but by agreeinent with Ihe bank a salvage party will take 50 per ceilt of the gold that is retrieved. The gold remaining, altliough still a substantial suni, is only 4 per eent of •the Niagara 's total bullion. The major part of it, already recovered, was valued at nearly £2,400,000. Unlike the .1941 operations which security regulations made it necessary to veil with secrecy, no attempt will be made this time to keep news of the diver 's activities from the publie. The old coastal steamer Claymore which was used six years ago, will not be available for the operations again. . Stripped of her engines and htted with a eoncrete bottoin, the vateran. ship was used as a boom defence vessel during the war and now rests in the quiet upper reaehes of Auckland harbour.