LAUNCH FOR THE MARAMA

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 134, 3 December 1915, Page 5

LAUNCH FOR THE MARAMA

A HANDSOME CRAFT.

_ Amongst the cargo brought to Wellington by the Union Company's steamer Paloona this week from Auckland was a very fine launch for tho Hospital Ship Marama. Some time ago the residents of Gisborne decided to present a launch to the Marama, and after the necessary funds were raised, the contract was placed with the well-known Auckland shipbuilding firm of Chas. Bailey, junr., which finished the launch in one month. The launch is built of |-inch timber; she is strongly constructed, and should stand a great deal of knocking about in any weather. The length is 29ft, with 7ft 6in beam, thus making the vessel very roomj', and accommodating close on 30 passengers at a rjinch. The cabin is nicely upholstered with maroon cushions, and is very comfortable. If necessary, the whole of the boat can be covered in by means of a frame and canvas hood, which has celluloid windows, which slip into pockets in the canvas. This hood should keep her very snug in bad weather. Her engine is" of 20-30-h.p., similar to that of a motor-car, and very compactly fitted in the boat, benzine being the fuel used. The engine lias an electric self-starter and a steering wheel like that of a car, fitted up conveniently on the side just out of the cabin, so that the man at the wheel has a good clear view from his seat, and takes up little room._ The launch is fitted up with an electric lighting service in the cabin, and with outside lights, etc., and, in fact, is splendidly fitted with all accessories, including mast arid sail. Under each seat is a locker, which altogether will stow away a good deal. The engines are capable of doing 12 knots, and the launch answered her helm and behaved splendidly in her trials and manoeuvring round Wait.emata harbour. Her engines are also very silent running. She is of light draught, and this shouFd prove most useful in shallow waters. The launch is painted the hospital colours, white with green band and three prominent crosses. With a Red Cross flag at her bow, and the New Zealand ensign aft, there will be no doubt as to what branch of the service the launch belongs to. The builder has fixed a brass plate with an inscription notifying that the launch is a donation from Gisborne.