Shipping News

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34087, 26 February 1976, Page 15

Shipping News

ships have always exerted a peculiar fascination on New Zealanders, and their passing will be regarded as another penalty which must be paid for progress. However, when they were built 25 years ago their design was considered revolutionary.

The living quarters of both officers and men were confined to one area, allowing movement about the ship without the crew’s having to venture outside—an important consideration in rough weather.

•• The only part not accessible under cover was the bridge, presumably to wake up those posted to the bridge.

One factor which has contributed to the demise of the “W” class ships is their heavy labour requirements.

All three carried about 44 officers and men, almost twice as many as modem vessels of comparable size. The Woosung’s cargoes have always been varied, though her mainstay on the northward run has been wood pulp from Tauranga. On her final run, however, she will call instead at Auckland for 1500 tonnes of ' onions for Japan.

Droughts in Japan have drastically reduced her onion crop, and she is turning to New Zealand and Australia to fill the demand. The Woosung will take the third consignment of New Zealand onions to Japan. ARRIVALS Hawea (6.32 a.m.). 2926. Capt. J. Jenkins. Wellington (U.S.S.). Coastal Trader (6.25 p.m.), 2500, Capt. K. Tindall. Tlmaru (Shipping Corp, of N.Z.). DEPARTURES Woosung (3.56 p.m.l, 5393. Capt. M. H. Swift. Auckland (P and Oi. Hawea (7.9 p m.), 2926. Capt. J. Jenkins, Dunedin (U.S.S.). EXPECTED ARRIVALS Straat Frazer, today. May Prince, today. Chevron Venice, Persian Gulf, today. Soochow. Wellington, today. Vishva Mahima, Wellington, February 28. Neder Lek, February 29. Union Australia, Tauranga, March 1. PROJECTED DEPARTURES Straat Frazer. February 27. Chevron Venice, Wellington, February 27. Soochow, Tauranga, Feb. 27. May Prince, March 2. VESSELS IN PORT Holmdale, No. 3 East. Kairyu Maru, No. 21, No. 4 East. Asahi Maru, No. 6 West.