Tasman ship tipped for Rangatira run

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34128, 14 April 1976, Page 1

Tasman ship tipped for Rangatira run

(From our Parliamentary reporter) WELLINGTON, \pril 13. I'he roll-on freighter I nion Wellington or a similar vessel max he the one chosen to replace the Rangatira on the W ellington-to-Lxttelton run.

'l'he Union Wellington.! a motor ship of 2fillS tons gross, was built three years ago in the Netherlands as the Stena Shipper, and was bought by the Union Steam Ship Company. She was taken out of the Tasman service because of a drop in freight volume, and has been lying at the Union Company wharf tn Evans Bay. Wellington, for some time. Neither the Union Company nor the Minister of Transport (Mr McLachlan) is prepared to confirm that the Union Wellington is figuring in the present negotiations, but other sources suggest that she is of suitable dimensions and is available. The Union Wellington has bow and stem doors, and has the capacity to carry livestock. Powered with engines

of 7200 b.h.p.. she has the latest navigational aids, and is fitted with variable pitch propellers. Fears that the Rangatira -. replacement would not be a roll-on vessel were com pletely groundless, the Min is-ter of Transport (Mr McLachlan) said today. He was replying to a spokesman for the Motor Trade Association who had [said that motor dealers [ feared the damage which [might result if future cai shipments between the North and South Islands were carried as deck cargo on a conventional coMtnl tMp “In my original announce ment on March 3. I spelled out clearly that we will be replacing the Rangatira with a roll-on freight-only vessel.” said the Minister. “Since then that stated intention has remained unchanged. “I am well aware of the advantages of roll-on vessels for the transport of motor vehicles as well as for much [other traffic- There is no [ truth in the suggestion that the Rangatira will be re 'placed by a conventional [cargo vessel, and the Motor Trade Association need’have [no fear on that account.”