THE STAR OF CANADA

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 316, 4 July 1912, Page 5

THE STAR OF CANADA

ANOTHER PUMP WANTED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisbonie, Wednesday. Pumping operations on the Star of Canada yesterday demonstrated that the pumps were just about able to keep the water in cheek. Another pump has been sent for, and it is expected the supreme test will be made about Thursday. The heavy swell to-day necessitated the Terawhiti leaving the steamer's side. A DOUBTFUL OUTLOOK. Gisborne, Wednesday. Captain Rainey states that serious developments have occurred. A heavy ground swelll came up last night, entailing further strain on the vessel, which settled down fnrther by the head. The crew may possibly come ashore to-night, but this does not necessarily signify abandonment of the vessel. Lightering continues from the afterhold.

PROBABLE ABANDONMENT. Gisborne, Last Niglu. It is fairly certain that the Star of Canada has broken her back in the vicinity of the foremast. Pumping was discontinued this morning, and when the water of three heavy swells struck the ship the jolting of the foremast and secsawing oi' the fore-part of the ship gave indication of her serious damage. At five o'clock this afternoon the first detachment of the crew came ashore with their baggage and a couple of hours later another squad were brought in by launch. There are about twelve men (volunteers) standing by the vessel, and Captain Plunket, of the London Salvage Association, is on ,bonrd officially standing by, while Captain Taylor, of tho same association, is expected to arrive on Friday, The lightering of the cargo is being continued briskly, and it is evidently the intention to remove all the undamaged goods from the after holds. An official statement is to the effect that the ship has not been abandoned to the underwriters, although there is every possibility of this being done. It i is also officially announced that the reIprirtis as to a broken back do not emanate from an official quarter.

Captain Rainey. the Tyser Company's superintendent, will not. however, deuv that the ship's back is broken. Captain Hart, of the Star of Canada, is ashore to-night, but will not make any statement for publication on the point. The probability is that salvage operations have been abandoned, and that the company is about to throw the matter on the'shoulders of the underwriters, and in support of this it may be slated that the pumps installed in the forehold liave been dismantled. The vessel to-night, presents a dreary spectacle. She is practically deserted, and her forward decks in the high tide are just awash.