THE MABEL MOLLER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 113, 16 May 1933, Page 8

THE MABEL MOLLER.

NEW NAME FOR THE KUROW.

CHINESE CREW ARRIVES. Before she commences her new trade on the China coast, the former Union cargo steamer Kurow, which was recently sold to the Mollcr Line, of Shanghai, is to be renamed Mabel Moller.

The Kurow is berthed at the Western Viaduct, where she is preparing for her voyage to the East. Next week she is to be placed in dry dock for enrvey. On leaving Auckland, probably in about three weeks' time, the Kurow will go to Australia, her new owners being hopeful that she will be able to pick up a cargo there for transport to the East. Once in China wat/rs, the vessel will be engaged in the cargo trade around the China coast.

Captain R. A. Young, one of the Moller Line's masters, arrived from Wellington this morning, and will be in command of the vessel when she leaves Auckland. Deck officers and engineers will be signed on here for the voyage East and for service with the vessel in her new trade.

"There is plenty of cargo offering, but freights arc low." said Captain Young when commenting on shipping conditions in the East. The Moller Line, he said, had purchased a number of Australian and New Zealand vessels, including the Waimarino, Kauri and Karori, all former Union Company steamers. A few weeks ago the line added the Duckenfield, owned by J. and A. Brown, of Newcastle, N.S.W., to their fleet, and she would go East about the same time as the Kurow.

As a crew for her voyage to China the Kurow will carry 27 Chinese, who arrived at Wellington by the Maunganui yesterday, and reached Auckland this morning. As soon as the galley fire had b,een got going the Chinese squatted down for a late breakfast of rice and potatoes, expertly lifted from dish to mouth by chopsticks. A photographer who visited the ship found the Chinese very camera shy, and all his efforts to persuade them to bring their food to a place where light would have allowed a photograph were in vain.