NEW MOTOR SHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 56, 7 March 1934, Page 7

NEW MOTOR SHIP.

PORT CHALMERS DUE.

ARRIVES TO-MORROW MORNING

The now motor ship of the Commonwealth and Dominion Line, the Port Chalmers, is expected from New Plymouth to-morrow morning. She is on her maiden voyage. Since leaving London early in January she has unloaded a cargo in Australia, and has commenced loading New Zealand produce for Home. The vessel from a distance will not present an appearance very different from that of the other grey-hulled, redfunnelled ships so familiar to New Zealand ports, but her gross tonnage of 8535 includes the most modern fittings for a vessel for the New Zealand trade. Her refrigeration space alone occupies 465,000 cubic feet, and special provision has been made for the carriage of chilled beef, a New Zealand product which with careful transporting conditions has rivalled the quality of the world's best. Speed is another point which has received consideration, for the Port Chalmers is designed to do 15* knots, so those who choose to travel by this ship will not feel that they are aboad n slow tramp. Passengers are provided for by four double-.berth and four singleberth cabins, fitted up in modern style. Up-to-date facilities have been built in for the handling of ca*go in and out of the six main hatches. Aji unusual feature is a derrick stepped in to the foremast capable of lifting 55 tons. Captain S. W. Haytcr is in command of tho ship.