A RECORD TRIP FROM BLUFF

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21807, 12 June 1936, Page 19

A RECORD TRIP FROM BLUFF

EMPIRE STAR ARRIVES AT LYTTELTON AVERAGE SPEED OF MORE THAN EIGHTEEN KNOTS A new record for the run from Bluff to Lyttelton was made by the Blue Star Line motor-ship Empire Star, which arrived at Lyttelton yesterday morning to load meat and apples. “Full speed” was rung down outside Bluff at 5.25 p.m. on Wednesday and the first reduction in speed was made at the Lyttelton Heads at 1012 a.m. yesterday, the elapsed time being 16 hours 47 minutes. The average speed was 18 3 knots, wfcich is nearly a knot faster than the speed required for the vessels engaged in the steamer-express service between Wellington and Lyttelton to accomplish that run in the usual time. The record was previously held by the Shaw, Savill and' Albion motor-ship Waipawa, which on one occasion averaged 17.7 knots for the run from Bluff to Lyttelton. . On the voyage out from London the Empire Star nearly established a record. She left London in ballast on May 7 and had fine weather in the Atlantic and across the Pacific until she was near Pitcairn Island, where she ran into strong head winds and heavy seas. Before this, the vessel had been making between 18 and 19 knots. The Empire Star is on her second visit to New Zealand and is making her first call at Lyttelton. She is of the most modem type of motor-ship, with luxurious accommodation for passengers and officers. Her bridge is fully equipped with all the latest appliances for the scientific navigation of the vessel.

Captain S. N. Capon is in command of the Empire Star, and his officers are:—Chief Mr R. B. Lee; second, Mr T. Lloyd-Jones; third, Mr G. Mernard; fourth, Mr E. Irvine; surgeon, Mr W. Irving; chief engineer, Mr D. Mcßae; second Mr J. Hamilton; junior

second, Mr S. Parker; senior third, Mr M. G. Symington; junior third, Mr A. Scott; senior fourth, Mr E. Edwards; junior fourth, Mr O. Sherraft; assistant engineers, Messrs E. Findlay, P. McClmtock, T. Hay; chief refrigerating Mr A. Aird; second, Mr W. Hislopp; chief electrician, Mr R. Buddin; second, Mr T. Davie; chief steward, Mr H. E. Nicol; wireless operator. Mr S. Nestoo.