THE "OLIVE" BOATS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 78, 2 April 1928, Page 9

THE "OLIVE" BOATS.

HAURAKI GULF SERVICES. The trim fleet of "Olive" launches operated by Mr. N. J. Inglis are among the best-known craft to be seen on the Waitemata Harbour. They berth at the launch steps at the foot of Albert Street and attract attention from their obvious' seaworthiness, the uniformity of their design, and the spick and span appearan£t°- ® lr brown and green paintwork. Ilieir primary function is the maintenance of regular communication with the islands of the Gulf, and to this end boats run every Wednesday and Saturday to Kington Bay. Motutapu and Motrnhi, carrying passengers, mails and stores. On Sundays and holidays there *° oneroa an d Matiatia (Waiheke). Towing work is also undertaken. Any of the three launches are available for hire, and are in great demand for trips and picnics. They are frequently engaged for official purposes and by prominent overseas visitors. The largest boat is the Olive Rose, a 47-footer with accommodation for 140 passengers. Next comes the Olive Jean, accommodating 90 passengers, and last, but not least, the Olivene, with a capacity for-53. It is interesting to note that the Olive Rose is the largest hire launch on the harbour, while the Olivene is reputedly the fastest, having an engine ofi 145 horse-power. Recently on an urgent call, she did the trip to Rangitoto in 20 minutes. All the launches are fitted with every convenience, and are beautifully! kept.

It is an interesting fact that the three boats were designed and built by Mr. Inglis himself at Devonport, and a striking tribute to Mr. Inglis' skill and knowledge is that the Owaka, completed last year in Auckland for the service of the Lyttelton Launch and Ferry Company, was an exact replica of the Olive Rose, the same plans being used by the builders.

Mr. Inplis, the sole proprietor, conducts the business himself. His office is situated at the entrance to Prince's Wharf (Phone 42-133). Bookings may be arransred with Miss Inglis, "Le Grand Central," Queen Street (opposite Herald Office), or Bilworth Buildings (phone 44-599).