WRECK OF WILTSHIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1922, Page 10

WRECK OF WILTSHIRE.

NOW A MASS OF DEBRIS. Members of the salvaging party at the Wiltshire were a'ble to board the wreck on Wednesday for the first time since the previous Thursday. For a week the wreck had been pitilessly battered by heavy seas driven in by a strong easterly gale, and Wednesday’s inspection confirmed the previously-formed opinion that ho more dry cargo would be obtainable. The bulk-heads between Nqs. 1 and 2 holds have been carried away, and on the ’tween decks there is a mass of wreckage and cargo -battered into an almost unrecognisable mass of debris Portions of the iron bulkheads can be seen twisted and torn about like so much brown paper. The ship’s bell still remains intact on the forecastle head. During the recent heavy weather -thoussands of pounds’ worth of cargo was washed up on the small stony beach about 3Ooyds. from the wreck. Mingled in inextricable confusion can be seen wire rope, canvas, tweeds, serge, and other goods rendered worthless by the tremendous battering of the breaking seas. A launch arrived from the Great Barrier on Tuesday to .obtain some piping for work in connection with the Wiltshire. It was stated that it only needed a gale of the intensity experienced last week-end to break up the remainder of the wreck.