Last Crossing Of Ferry Steamer

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29898, 11 August 1962, Page 10

Last Crossing Of Ferry Steamer

(A'ew Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON. August 10. The Wellington - Picton ferry steamer, Tamahine, a workhorse on the Cook Strait run for 37 years, made her last voyage today. She is being replaced tomorrow by the new ferry, Aramoana Big crowds at both Wellington and Picton gave the ship, which has made more than 10.000 crossings and travelled six million miles, boisterous farewells as she left the harbour for the las* time. Tomorrow she will be taken to Evans Bay to await a buyer At Picton nearly 2000 persons gathered on the wharf to see her leave on her final trip tonight. Three pipe bands and a regimental band performed for half-an-hour before she left. There were a few speeches, including one by

the vessel’s master. Captain W. H. C. Millward. Decorated with strings of coloured lights, the Tamahine has never made a finer sight than when her ropes dropped from the wharf bollards and she drew away. Traditional streamers were t u e last landward ties to part. As she moved into the stream, the ship was followed by several launches, including one carrying a Picton choir which sang “Auld Lang Syne” and "Now Is the Hour.” “She will go to some lucky buyer." said the chief engineer. Mr P C. Lansdown. at Wellington. Mr Lansdown. who has served on the Tamahine on and oft' since 1946. said the 2000-ton ship was very seaworthy. The vessel had been pushed through some tough southerlies because it had to keep a schedule—as did all passenger ships.