LOSS OF MANUKA

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1929, Page 5

LOSS OF MANUKA

CAPTAIN’S REPORT. (By Telegraph—Press Association). DUNEDIN, December 18. Captain R-oss Clark interviewed, said the passengers and crew were absolutely wonderful. There was great spirit shown by all, everyone wishing to stand back and give a seat in a boat to another. The women and children were astonishing. They cheered as their boats left, as if going to a picnic. The whole spirit o-f the crew and passengers was beyond reproach. I am very proud to be a. British subject, stated Clark. The cost of relief to passengers and I crew from the Shipwreck Relief Society will probably be well over £3OOO sterling. FLOTSAM AND JETSAM. TWO PICTURES RECOVERED. DUNEDIN, Dec. 19. Lloyd’s Surveyor, Air AV. J. Crawford, and Air Hadden Smith, representing Lloyds, visited the Manuka wreck yesterday. She is now under water save for the top of the aft mast and derricks of the foremast. A heavy sea was running and a great quantity ol cargo and passengers’ luggage was coming ashore. The beaches are covered like pebbles with lemons and onions, while passengers’ luggage is reported to be coining ashore as far as 7 miles south of the wreck.

Air Smith states that if the Manuka had struck yesterday the passengers would have had no- chance, as heavy seas were pounding against the cliffs. AVi irnings have been issued to visitors to remove nothing, all being the joint property of the Union Coy. and tne underwriters. Several loads are reported to have been removed, but prompt action secured their return. A constable at Owaka reports that ne found two of Murray Fuller’s valuable English pictures on Hid beach. One is in good condition.

THE WRECK ABANDONED. THE CREW’S APPRECIATION. DUNEDIN, Dec. 19. The Manuka has been abandoned by the Union Coy to the underwriters. The cargo underwriters meet here this afternoon to decide whether the cargo will be auctioned or salvage undertaken. It is expected that the hull underwriters will work in union with the local underwriters. 'Pile crew were paid off this morning to enable northern residents to catch their trains. Their delegate, A. Blaker, said the men would never forget the hospitality of the people of Owaka and down the line to Dunedin. The assistance given hv the Shipwreck Relief Society was wholly unexpected land the men were overwhelmed by their generosity. The Customs Department has sent an officer to the wreck as a receiver of wreckage. All cargo will be taken by him, and if auctioned, an assessment will be made of dutiable goods.