The Wiltshire’s Cargo

Hokitika Guardian, 26 July 1922, Page 1

The Wiltshire’s Cargo

PROGRESS IN SALVAGING.

The salvage of the AViltshire’s cargo i s being energetically proceded with, the working being aided past few days by favourable weather (says the Auckland “Herald”). The small steamer Kerepeehi and the scow Kaptta, returned to Auckland on Friday morning with the second shipment of cargo brought to Auckland within the last few days. The Kerepeehi discharged about 70 tons and the Kapua about 70 tons. AA’ith the shipments brought by these Vessels on Tuesday and with 120 tons brought immediately afterwards by the scow AA’anderer, tho total quantity of cargo landed in Auckland last week amounts approximately to 400 tons. Most of the cargo ‘salvaged so far is of small hulk, passed up from the holds by hand and transferred to tho vessels alongside hy a chute. Heavy cargo, however ,is being got out hy a steam winch, which was used for the first time on AA’ednesdoy. Heavy crates of plate glass were removed by this means. Tho scone at the wreck on AVednesdny was one of feverish activity. The 30 or" 40 men employed on the work laboured at high pressure all day in order to take advantage of the fine weather, and work continued until 10 p.m. acetylene lamps being used to illuminate the deck and holds. A “flying fox” enge running on a oablo is being installed between the wreck and the cliff, and the salvage crew, who will shortly he housed on the cliff opposite the wreck, will he taken, four )to six men at a. time, to and. from the wreck each morning and evening. In the meantime, they are still being conveyed to tho wreck each dav liv three launclie s from Tryphena. The accommodation lints, in course of erection in a gully close to the cliff, are now practically completed. Great care has' been exercised to prevent damage to the vessels lightering alongside the wreck. ’lhe AA iltshire’s large spare anchors have been I moored some distance from the wreck, and the lightering vessels are made 1 fast to them hy stout hawsers, which prevent the small vessels quite touching the steel sides of tho AA 7 iltshire. Heavy fenders of logs have been placed against the plates to minimise the danger of crushing. The cargo brought to Auckland on Friday includes plate glass .iron grates, paper, salt, paint, crockery, linoleums and general merchandise. AA’itli the exception of a slight rust on certain iron goods tho cargo is in excellent condition. Deliveries of goods to Auckland consignees arc now being made in the presence of the surveyor.