WRECK OF THE DEVON.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 99, 30 August 1913, Page 5

WRECK OF THE DEVON.

THE MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY. [Per Press Association.] Wellington, August 29. The magisterial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the wreck oi the Devon will be opened in Wellington on Monday morning before Dr. McArthur, S.M. The following witnesses are to be called: —Captain Caunce, the chief officer, the fourth officer, the chief engineer, the second engineer, the quartermaster at the wheel, and the look-out forward. The New Zealand Shipping Company is acting as agent of the Devon for the present voyage, and has decided to salve the cargo themselves, and operations will be commenced to-morrow if the weather is favorable. A harbor ferry steamer will go alongside the wreck, and no difficulty is anticipated in recovering much of the cargo. A diver will go down to examine the vessel as soon as possible, to ascertain the full extent of the damage.

A SALVAGING TROUBLE. Wellington, August 30. A number of wharf laborers enga ed for salvage work on the Devon declined to begin operations this morning unless the shipping companies paid them 5s per hour and overtime, their contention being that it was special work and outside the limits of the harbour. The companies offered 2s ai hour for day work and 3s overtime, and special consideration in case o' wet cargo, but this was not considered enough, and salvaging is now beingcarried on by the New Zealand Shipping Company's stevedores.

The weather is fine and the sea has moderated considerably.