THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 195, 13 May 1919, Page 6

THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH

VESSEL ABANDONED TO THE UNDERWRITERS A BIG HOLE AMIDSHIPS AH claims on tho coastal packet Queen of the South, wrecked on a reef near Cape Campbell, have been abandoned to tho underwriters by' the owners of the ship, Messrs Lovin and Co., Wellington. Tho position of tho vessel is very bad, and she is almost unapproachable. Salving operators, it is stated, would carry on their work at a biff risk to themselves and to the machinery in use, Only in perfectly calm water could anything be done to obtain some of the ships gear, fittings, etc., but the uncertainty of the weather at this time of the year is stated to be the deter mining factor against a successful haul All that was saved from the vessel was two boats (a lifeboat and a launch), in which the crew deft her. These were brought back to Wellington by tho Wukatu. • The Victoria Insurance Company hold a risk over tho Quepn of the South, but for what amount is'not--divulged. It is not known insurances were taken out by the owners 'of tho cargo. The loss of the Queen of the South is a serious matter to more people than her owners. As has been already stated the vessel maintained'a very regular service to Foxton. It is not every vessel which ran cross the Manawatu Hiver bar at all tides, and when it is considered that the wrecked steamer was the only trader to that port, the loss to the big importing firms will readily ' be understood. Messrs. Levin and Co. are anxious to ro< place the Queen of the South as soon as possible, but the likelihood of securing in New Zealand another ship of similar features is said to be small, and the probability is that a new steamer will have to be brought m from overseas. ' By Telegraph—Pw' Association Blenheim, May 12._ Further details show that the vessel is fast on the rocks, with a big hole amidships. She will probably.become, a total wreck. A heavy 6well on the reef makes it, impossible for a tender to get alongside. The chances of salvaging the cargo arc considered hopeless.