STAR OF CANADA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 62, 31 July 1912, Page 3

STAR OF CANADA.

WHAT HOPE WHEN SHE IS EMPTY? By Telegraph— Press Association. Gisborne, Monday. Regarding the wrecked Star of Canada so far some 500 tons of bullion have been , brought t.shore, and reckoning by the time it has taken so far and the increasing difficulty experienced in lifting the weighty bars from the bottom of the ship, less than a week's work should see the hold clear of cargo. It will therefore be irtorc-ting to watch development in a day or two.

The authorities are extremely reticent as to what the plans will be when this stage has been reached, although they practically admit that the future is unknown. Weather conditions of course will bulk largely in determining the future programme. There are some, well able to speak, who confidently state that it is an open secret in the knowing circles that the steamer is now considered a hopeless proposition, and that the present aim is merely to save the valuable bullion, estimated as worth £25,000. Even if this prognostication should prove correct, it is not to be imagined that the Star of Canada has suffered for want of proper handling. The salvage authorities have done excellent work in saving the big cargo, and it is highly probable that the steamer would be now iloating if the proper plant were at hand. The best plant that New Zealand can offer lias been called into requisition, but this does not mean much so far as the salving of a stranded steamer is concerned. An authority remarked yesterday: "ff we had been anywhere near the Homeland, or where a decent plant was available, wa would soon shift her."