THE “OPIHI”

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 December 1924, Page 7

THE “OPIHI”

OLD GERMAN SAILER. The Union Steam Ship Company’s steamer “Opihi,” which arrived in Greymouth harbour from Westport last night, has an interesting history of Rostock, Germany, many years ago mouth. The hull was constructed in Costock, Germany, many years ago and, as will be seen from 1 the appearance of the vessel, site-.<was built for sails. She served in many parts of the world as. a “wind-jammer,” at last finding her way to New Zealand waters. Eventually .she became a hulk, and was tied up in Wellington harbour for a considerable period. She was then purchased by Messrs Reese Bros., of Christchurch, and towed to Lyttelton. A few months previous,to this, on September 3, 1917; the Opouri was wrecked here. Messrs Reese Bros, bought this wreck, and the engines were salvaged. They were shipped to Lyttelton and installed in the hulk then called, the “Lilia.” In order to keep the boat in proper trim, and for the purpose of making the most of the cargo space the engines and boilers were installed in the after portion of the boat.' This lends her a peculiar appearance when running light. The bow, built clipper shape and intended to carry a bowsprit, looms high out of the water while the stern has a peculiarly squat appearance. Thus the boat draws almost as much water loaded as she does empty. Nevertheless, she is an exceptionally fine sea boat.

Upon being converted into a steamship, she was sent by hex- owners on a trip round the world, calling at various ports. In those days shipping was scarce, and the vessel proved a handsome proposition, and practically paid for itself. Returning to New Zealand over a year, later the boat was purchased by the Union Steam Ship Company, and has been running under that Company’s flag ever since. It is some time now since she last visited Greymouth, being more regularly employed trading between East. Coast ports. It speaks well for ship construction in the days .of the Opihi’s birth that after so many years of sailing her hull was strong enough to warrant the instalation of steam engines with, their heavy boilers ( and accessories. She is still an exceptionally strong boat and one particularly adapted .for the efficient handling of cargo. Deck houses, cabins, engines and boilers, being all housed aft, leave a clear.space between the hatches for the handling of cargo, and in addition the hatches have been made wider than is the usual practice. The Opihi is 208 feet in length, 34 feet beam and 19 feet in/depth. Her gross, tonnage is 1116 tons and the registered tonnage 638. At present she is under the command of Captain Manson, and he has - under him a crew of 21. men.., .< '