WAIKATO RIVER FLEET.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 283, 29 November 1929, Page 8

WAIKATO RIVER FLEET.

IMPROVEMENTS TO VESSELS. PROJECTED EXCURSIONS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) MERCER, this day. The Eoose Shipping Co. has recently undertaken some important improvements to the vessels operating on the Waikato River. With the object of reducing the draught of the steamer Tere i a 15ft 9in section has been added to her length. To accomplish this purpose the vessel was cut in two and. the new section placed in the centre, thus giving her a total length cf 83ft 9in. The result has been the reduction of the draught from 3ft 6in to 2ft 9in, which is a material gain in navigating the shallow ■water of the river. The vessel is also fitted with water ballast, so that her draught can be altered at will to suit the requirements of the work engaged in. She can also develop a very fair turn of speed, as she is fitted with three screws and her engines develop 250 h.p. The whole of the work was carried out at the company's Mercer foundry. The passenger paddle steamer Monowai is also undergoing extensive renovations, as it is the intention of the company to use her for Sunday excursions in conjunction with the Railway Department. Passengers from Auckland will be able to connect with the boat at Mercer and take a trip to the Heads, returning in time to connect with the train to the city in the evening. This should do much to popularise the Waikato River, which, in the summer time undoubtedly displ'avs many rare beauties. *