FORMER TASMAN SHIP

Press, Volume C, Issue 29527, 31 May 1961, Page 10

FORMER TASMAN SHIP

Hulk Favourite Anglers’ Spot

"The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON. May 30

Fraser Island, which is rapidly becoming one of the mo«t popular holiday resorts off the Queonslacid coast, has as one of its attractions ae anglers’ paradi-oe—the rusting remains of a Tasman record-breaker, the Union Steam Ship Company’s 3282ton Maherw.

In the deep waters off the stern, all varieties of deepsea finh can be caught The crack m her hull amidships was caused by RA A F strafing during the Second World War. when she was used tor target practice The Maheno was sold to Japanese shipbreakers in 1935 after a 30-yea.r career of record-breaking and as a hospital ship for New Zealanders. While being towed to Osaka the tow-rope snapped and she ran ashore Efforts to salvage her were futile and even constant bombing practice by the R.A A.F. from 1940-1945 has made little difference to her remains.

The Maheno. whieh averaged 17 >4 knots on her trials in 1905, was placed in the Tasman trade and broke three records during her first 12 months of service. She was converted to a hospital ship in 1915.