PORT BOWEN METAL

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1940, Page 8

PORT BOWEN METAL

By Telegraph—Press Association.

GREAT VALUE TO NATION

MINISTER IMPRESSED

Wanganui, Last Night. The Port Bowen wreck which is being dismantled where it is lying close inshore at Castlecliff, Wanganui, was inspected by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Supply. Mr. Sullivan said he was immensely impressed with the value to New Zealand of the work being done and progress made. The ship, he said, contained 8000 tons of material which was being reclaimed. It comprised steel plates, steel angle iron and girders, machinery, refrigerating gear and nautical instruments. Valuable Metals. In addition there was a considerable quar.tity of non-ferrous metals which are valuable in normal times but almost beyond price at present when the difficulty of obtaining sufficient supplies of many things constituted a major problem for the Ministry of Supply. Some 80 men are employed on the work and the Minister was informed by the engineer in charge, Mr. E. J. Dennis, of the Department of Industries and Commerce, that the completion of breaking up the vessel will take many more months. The Minister paid tribute to Mr. James Cable, of William Cable and Sons, who as a member of the munitions committee made the splendid offer which was accepted by the Government that the plant necessary for the work be supplied by his firm free of charge and that only 5 per cent. rent return in wages be asked. "The undertaking of this work in this way is of great value to the nation, said the Minister.