LAST OF THE DEVON.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 265, 7 April 1914, Page 8

LAST OF THE DEVON.

REMOVAL IN"' EAlil.Y PROSPECT. Alihoiivji .-::i(l!y battered by the wii, lh.' wreck of the steamer Devon still jeniiiiii.i mi Hi.' reef oil' I'cuciirrow Point. tint its complete iln.struction is now in early prospect. A.s it lies the wreck foiist.itlit'.'.-i a certain danger lo navigation, inasmuch as it shuts off tho lowlevel Penearrow light on some angles of approach, lint for this the work of destruction might very well be left to the sea, for the disintegration of the wreck is proceeding apace. The salvors completed their work a couple of weeks ago, and between their activities and the inroads of the sen only a remnant of the vessel now remains. The mainmast has fallen, and practically the whole after-part of the steamer has disappeared. In addition to that the hull is ripped open from stem to stern along the bottom, and has perceptibly settled down.

The usual way of disposing of :i wreck in such circumstances is to blow it up, hut it is thought not unlikely that the shattered remains of the Devon may be offered to the defence authorities for a target. She would afford good practice from Fort Dorset, and as she lies about two hundred and lifty yards out from the low-level Penearrow light, the shooting would probably he fairly safe. In any case, whatever the manner of her final'fate may he, all that remains of the Devon will very shortly disappear from sight.