NEW CARGO SERVICE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28556, 9 April 1958, Page 16

NEW CARGO SERVICE

Wellington-T imaru Trade “The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON. April 8. With an entirely new look, a well-known coaster will shortly re-enter service. She is the small wooden motor-vessel Tiroa which will begin a new direct cargo service between Wellington and Timaru. Built at Auckland in 1916, of heart kauri, the Tiroa is a stout little ship of 226 tons register. I powered by a 240 h.p. diesel ; engine. Until early last year she |was employed by the South Taranaki Shipping Company in the cheese trade between Patea and i Wellington. In February. 1957. the Tiroa went aground on the beach near Waverley. but was refloated and 'returned to Wellington under her own power. She waS acquired bv B. T. Daniels Ltd., of Shelly Bay. 'by whom she was sold to the Tiroa Shipping Company Ltd.. which was formed by a group of Wellington and Palmerston North i business men and trading concerns to establish a regular direct !cargo service to Timaru. In the last six months the Tiroa ;has been thoroughly repaired and ! refitted for her new lease of life Her hull has been refastened and ire-sheathed and further strengthtended by the fitting of several 'deep frames of steel amidships. I Her main engine has been com- . pletely overhauled and a new 230ivolt A.C generator installed tn !supply current for lighting, and new electric winches still to be i fitted The living accommodation jhas been greatly improved. The old ship is now in first-class condition. ‘ The appearance of the Tiroa has been enhanced by the painting of her topsides and funnel a j bright shade of blue, with a broad i panel of white on either side IThe forecastle head and after superstructure have been painted white.