EXHIBITION STEAMER SERVICE

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 196, 18 August 1913, Page 6

EXHIBITION STEAMER SERVICE

AB-l-VAL OF THE aiVERIWA, A COMMODIOUS VESSEL. In anticipation of the increased volume of passenger traffic from the Commonweal 111 of Australia- during Ihe Exhibition period, and following on the rapid development of ihe inter-colonial trade generally, the steamship companies interested in the service recently decided upon the introduction of a superior type of steamer. The lirst of these vessels, the HuddartParker liner Kiverina, arrived at Auckland yesterday morning after her voyage across the Tasman Sea. The Riverina. has replaced the Wimuiera, which, it, has been felt for some time, was hardly big ci c-igb fo cope with the increased traffic The Victoria will be retained in the Sydney-Audiland-Dun-edin run in the meantime, but it is not unlikely that during the rush in the Exhibition months she will be used for the. coastal run. while the Riverina maintains the ferry service in conjunction with the Union Company's steamer Ma muni nui.

After a moderate weather passage from Sydney the Riverina came into port yesterday morning, and was berthed at "the new Queen Street wharf shortly after 10 a.m. The arrival of the vessel created a lot of interest on tho waterfront, and a largo number of people gathered on the wharf to witness her arrival.

The Riverina is a line-looking steamer of 4.75S tons, and is under the command of Captain G. F. Entwislp. an experienced master in the trade. The vessel was built at Sunderland in IfiO.i by Sir J. Laing and Sons, Ltd. Aeeonvmodation for second saloon passengers is provided on the boat deck aft, the shelter deck and main deck. Thei-c are also luxilri-ously-fumished deck cabins provided for first and second saloon passengers, and the third class forward. The three dining -saloons have seating accommodation for 120 people. 00 people and 50 people respectively. The steamers engines are of 719 nominal horse power, and she has developed a speed of 17 knots under favourable conditions.

The Riverina will leave for East Coast and Southern ports to-morrow afternoon.