SEA SCOUT LAUNCH

Evening Star, Issue 26041, 4 March 1947, Page 5

SEA SCOUT LAUNCH

ARRIVAL FROM AUCKLAND FORMER HARBOUR DEFENCE M.L. Sea Scouts throughout the Dominion are to be well catered for in future as a result of the imagination and energy of the Dominion Commissioner for Sea Scouts (Mr*A. J. 'Black, of Dunedin). The former harbour defence motor launch Qllß9 has been acquired from the Government, and, after slipping for overhaul at Auckland, was brought by Mr Black to Dunedin, where she will be repainted and placed in suitable condition for her , pew duties with the senior Sea Scouts here.

Good weather was experienced on the run down the coast, except in the vicinity of Palliser Bay, where heavy weather was encountered. Describing the storm, Mr Black said that in 25ft seas off Palliser Bay the boat had about half of her 72ft length out of water. She behaved very well in the dirty weather however, and Mr Black is loud in his praise of her seaworthiness. An average speed of from 11 to 12 knots was maintained for the trip, and the run from Akaroa to Dunedin occupied 15 hours. On the voyage south calls were made at Tauranga, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, and Akaroa, whore contact was made with local Sea Scout troops. Up to the present, Air Black has used his own fishing craft, Sea Rover, to travel around the Dominion and inspect the various troops, and for training purposes. However, this had a drawback in that there was a dual demand on the boat for fishing and for Scout work, whereas the new launch will be free at all times for Scout activities. A further advantage of the new boat is that she is larger, and can accommodate a greater number of boys on training cruises. She will take a dozen comfortably, and another three or four can easily be provided for. The craft is well fitted also with lockers and electric lighting. There are showers in the washrooms, and the oil-burning galley contains even a large refrigerator. She will be equipped with radio-telephone, and will be available for air-sea rescue work if needed. Air Black said that the launch would be kept fuelled and should be able to go to sea within half an hqur of a request being made. The boat may also assist the Marine Department in certain of its work, both of these activities providing excellent practical training for the Scouts. On deck the launch will carry one of the sailing dinghies of the standard design adopted by the Sea Scouts. There are already 25 of these dinghies in the possession of, or ordered by, Scout troops throughout New Zealand, although it is only two years since the idea of a standardised boat was conceived and the first one launched.

It was hoped that the new launch —in the acquisition of which the Government had shown every consideration, Mr Black .stated—would stimulate further interest in Sea Scouting, and would lead to new troops being started.