Homecoming delayed

Press, 18 November 1981, Page 2

Homecoming delayed

Rough weather forced the postponement of the planned homecoming to Akaroa yesterday of the launch Miss Akaroa, shown above tied up at Lyttelton. The trip, from

lytteiton to Akaroa; has been rescheduled for tomorrow. The launch was built at Akaroa in 1958, but for the last 20 years she has been less of a tourist vessel and more of a workhorse, having been crayfishing in Fiord-

land, scallop-fishing out of Nelson, and mussel-fishing in the Marlborough Sounds. The launch’s owner, Mr Bill Scott of Rangiora, said that “thousands” had been on board the Miss Akaroa in the Marlborough Sounds. Tours had been organised from Christchurch for about three years, and fishing parties and tourists would travel to the Sounds to fish or sightsee in her at week-ends. • ,

Already, the operator of the Miss Akaroa, the Akaroa Village management, has received bookings for trips once she reaches her former home. The decision to bring the launch south again was made because she was not getting enough work in the Sounds, said Mr Scott. “Wooden boats need to be used every day,” he said. Although the Marlborough

tours and fishing had been worth while, it was felt that it would also be appropriate to return the Miss Akaroa to Akaroa. Marine Department inspectors had checked the launch at Lyttelton to ensure that she complied with regulations in her new capacity, and Mr Scott expected that regular Akaroa harbour tours would begin before the end of this month.