THE THIRD ARAWA

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22004, 30 January 1937, Page 19

THE THIRD ARAWA

SHAW, SAVILL COMPANY’S MOST MODERN LINER

HISTORIC NAME REVIVED

A name that has been associated ■with the New Zealand trade from the .earliest days of the direct steamer service from England has been revived by the departure of the R.M.S. Arawa from London this month. The Shaw, Savill Line has had two previous steamers bearing that name, both of which held pride of place in their day, and the third Arawa will fully maintain the reputation of her predecessors. The passenger accommodation and public rooms are in accordance with, or even in advance of, the latest ideals of tourist class comfort, and the Arawa will undoubtedly become a very popular steamer in the New Zealand service. The whole of the passenger accommodation has been rebuilt, bedsteads and pullman berths are fitted instead of steamer berths, and all beds have interior spring mattresses. Each room has a wardrobe and a combined chest of drawers and writing table, end the majority have bedside cabinets. Hot and cold running water, electric fans, and a long dressing mirror are provided in each room. Each bed has a reading light. The most modern system of strip lighting has been used in the cabins as well as in the public rooms. The panelling and furnishings in the smoke room and lounge room would suit the most fastidious person. The former is situated on the boat deck and is panelled in polished hardwood; the furniture is upholstered in leather and moquette. Tne lounge is designed on simple lines with a large fireplace recess having a striking mirror treatment contrasting with the polished wood surrounds. The walls 1 are panelled and painted in shades to harmonise with the decorative scheme. The veranda cafe extends the whole width of the promenade deck, and the decoration of its walls gives a pleasing soft stonework effect with columns and arched doorways. Well-ventilated and cool, extending the full width, the dining room 'is most attractive, with panelled and pamted walls. The floor is of rubberin varying shades of colour, which make a line setting for- the small dining-tables and armchair seats upholstered in blue hide. Near the main dining room is a delightful room for children, in • which the walls are finished with amusing paintings. Quiet comfort has been the aim of the writing room, which is furnished with a close-fitting carpet, writing tables, and a well designed bookcase in polished hardwood with a wellstocked library. A large gymnasium has been built on the boat deck and fitted with all modern equipment for exercise and physical fitness, inducting massage machine, vibrator, cycleracing, and rowing machines. In addition to all the usual deck sports appliances, the Arawa will have the latest type of sound film projector and an all-wave broadcast receiver will be carried.

The Arawa will leave New Zealand for the return voyage on March 27, and amongst the passengers booked are the Parliamentary delegation to the Coronation and the New Zealand cricket team for England.