"THE LITTLE TERROR"

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 43, 19 August 1918, Page 9

"THE LITTLE TERROR"

AORERE'S NEW LEASE OP LIFE

"The Tei-ror of Cook Straits!" Such ■n-as the name won in former years by tho small steamer Aorere. when she used to run, with little regard for the elements, between Wellington and Patea, under Captain Fisk. Some two years ago, however, owing to her small carrying capacity, she was relegated to the "scrap heap," and since that time ha* been lying alongside the Quean's Wharf. But the Eastbourne Borough Council, feeling the need of a cargo carrier, decided a few months ago to purchase the Aorere. On Saturdaiy afternoon the "Terror," with the Mayor (Mr. P. Levi) and councillors of Eastbourne and several guests on board, made her trial trip, around Wellington Harbour. Flying; the New Zealand ensign, andl looking very well after her recent overhaul, the Aorere left the harbour ferry wharf shortly before half past one o'clock. On the return trip she left Bona. Bay at 3.30, and took fifty-five minutes to run across to the Queen's Wharf. This was generally thought to he excellent time, considering tho fact that the vessel was carrying 50 tons of coal—municipal coal for the residents of Eastbourne.

During the trip, refreshments were served and some interesting speeches were made.

Mr. A. Walker, a resident of the borough, stated that the purchase of the Aorere was a stop in the right direction. The council had several propositions before it when Councillor Bennett suggested the purchase of the vessel, which idea, after considerable discussion, was adopted. The Aorere would, he thought, in a_ very few years become a paying proposition.

Responding, the Mayor of Eastbourne said that the council had thought a long while before it adopted the proposition. The borough was greatly indebted to Mr. A. Walker (honorary advising engineer) for his help. Councillor Bennett, (who was a marine engineer), had also been of invaluable assistance to the borough. In paying a tribute to the work of Messrs. Ross, Jory, and M'Whannell, who overhauled the vessel, Mr. Levi stated_ that they had carried out their work in a most satisfactory manner. He also referred to the excellent work done by Mr. Rowan (the council's shipwright) Several . other tonsts. including "Tho Eastbourne Borough Council," Messrs. A. E. Macindoe o,nd G. Maxwell (Government inspectors), and Mr James S. Day (Town Clerk), were also honoured. Speaking at the conclusion of the gathering^ Mr. Macindoe stated that the council, in view of the increasing number of residents and visitors to the^bay, would soon have to be looking out for another passenger boat. Captain J. W. Grower, who has been in the service of the Eastbourne Borough Council for about two yeara, will have permanent charge of the Aorere, which is to make her first trip m the service tomorrow.