Hull Removed

New Caledonian Port Cleared

Noumea, Aug. 1.

USING a special oxy-hydrogen process patented in Australia, Mr. Johnston has succeeded in demolishing the iron hull of the sailing ship “Joliette”, which sank alongside the wharf at Thio during the cyclone of 1909, and has since been an obstacle to navigation.

The “Joliette” had loaded nickel and cobalt. Unfortunately, the tug employed by Societe Le Nickels was away when the cyclone struck the district, and the “Joliette” was subjected to a terrific buffetting. Being a sailing ship she was helpless and eventually she was over whelmed and sank alongside the wharf.

The hull of the shjp has been an obstruc tion at the wharf for nearly 30 years; but it has now been cut to pieces by Mr.

Johnston, operating under water, and a depth of 30 feet is available alongside the wharf.

Mr. Johnston, during his arduous work under water, ‘had some queer experi ences. A huge fish, which resembled an Australian groper, was very inquisitive and became his constant attendant; but a stick of dynamite, exploded in a judi cious fashion, settled th,e argument which was developing between them. There was also a shark, about 7 ft. long, which seemed attracted by the food possibilities represented by the diver; but he sue

cumbed to a lure of red meat upon a strong hook.

Mr. Johnston has not yet finished his work He is trying to recover a portion of the “joliette’s” cargo. The nickel is not so valuable as to warrant heavy expense, but the 250 tons of cobalt is well worth the trouble and it is now be ing brought to the surface.