Old Wreck Searched for Metals

Metals

From Our Own Correspondent

Rarotonga. June 1.

OWING to the demand for various metals, interest has again been aroused in the wreck of the old “Maitai,” lying on the reef at Avarua, Rarotonga. Although a good deal of the remaining lead was removed some time ago and shipped to New Zealand, it is

possible that other metals might have escaped notice.

With a view to ascertaining what really was left, Mr. H. Ward, a visitor who is well known around the Eastern Pacific, recently organised a diving party. Little was found; and even the great propeller was so encrusted with barnacles that it was impossible to know whether it was of bronze or otherwise.

Shortly after the wreck of “Maitai,” in 1917, the insurance company concerned sent down professional divers to lift everything possible with available appa ratus; as metals were almost as valu able then as now it does not seem likely that anything would be left which could be raised by amateurs. It is a fact, how ever, that for many years prior to the war native divers were wont to obtain there supplies of lead for local fish nets, etc.

The ownership of anything recovered is not clear. Whether it rests with the Union Steamship Company, or the insur ance company, or the Administration, nobody appears to know.

Mr. L. P. Morel, who recently left Rarotonga for overseas service, coming up after inspecting the wreck, with his antiquated diving gear.