RUMOURS OF PILLAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 January 1930, Page 2

RUMOURS OF PILLAGE

DENIED BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE. WELL! NGTON. December 30. A denial that the washed-up wreckage of the ill-fated steamer Manuka had been subjected to serious pillage was made to-day by the Commissioner or Police (Mr AV. B. M’llveney) in a report furnished by him at the instance of the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon Sir Joseph AVard). Air M’llveney’s report was as follows: “AA'itli reference to the statement published regarding the wreckage from the s.s. Manuka, inquiries from the Customs and police authorities at Dunedin indicate that the newspaper reports are very much exaggerated, though one or two cases of alleged pillage have been reported. Under the provisions of the Shipping and Seamen Act, 1908, the Collector of Customs at Dunedin has been appointed a receiver oi wreckage. There is a Customs officer at the scene of the wreck, and the constable at Owaka is keeping in touch with him so as to render assistance if required. It. is reported that there is very little coming ashore of any value. Various loose articles of apparel have been washed up in a valueless condition, and only one package of luggage has been recovered and that has been delivered to the owner. The only cargo of any value that lias been washed ashore consists of some drums of oil. furs, motor tyr.es and cask of wine. These goods, if not sold by the underwriters, will be disposed of by the Customs officer. Any cases of alleged piling? will lie inquired into, but in view of the small value of the wreckage the detailing of additional officers to patrol the beaches is not warrantee.’’