OLD PADDLE STEAMER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21603, 4 January 1945, Page 6

OLD PADDLE STEAMER

WANGANUI VETERAN LAST VESSEL OF THE TYPE Believed to be the only surviving vessel in New Zealand propelled by side paddles, the veteran paddle steamer Waimarie has begun another summer season on the Wanganui River. Each year she is slipped before the holidays for overhaul and survey find to-day .is reported as sound as when she was built, more than 40 years ago. The vessel was shipped to New Zealand in parts early in the present century. The steel plates for her hull were assembled on the banks of the Wanganui River, and when launched the vessel was christened Aotva. At that time she was owned by a company formed by Wanganui River settlers, but when this went into liquidation the vessel was taken over by Itatrick and Company. For many years she traded regularly between Wanganui and Pipiriki, 55 miles up the river, and during her long service became known to thousands of tourists from overseas. Although she has a draught of only Hiin. and was built for navigating shallow waters, the Waimarie can no longer go further than Ilipango Park, 111 miles from Wanganui. This is due lo Die silting in the river. The Waimarie has a lenglli of 100 ft. and a wain of Itifl, Because she burns coal and does not rely on oil fuel, Die old paddle steamer has been given a new lease of life by wartime conditions. During Die summer months she is engaged in transporting picnic parties up the river and also on moonlight excursions. She makes periodical trips up the river for Sheep and 'Avool.