NEW LINER “RANGITOTO” REACHES N.Z.

Grey River Argus, 27 September 1949, Page 5

NEW LINER “RANGITOTO” REACHES N.Z.

WELLINGTON, September 26,

The New Zealand Shipping Company’s liner Rangitoto arrived at Wellington last night on her maiden voyage from London and berthed this morning. The passengers included 24 children, ranging from seven to 17, who are being adopted in New Zealand homes.

An investigation of Auckland’s transport needs will be carried out by Sir William Halcrew, a British consulting engineer, who, with Mr J. P. Thomas, former general manager of the London Transport Board, ha§ come to New Zealand at the invitation of the Government. Another Rangitoto passenger was the Rev. Walter M. Hendrie, the new youth director of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. He succeeds the Rev. Dr. J. D. Salmond, who was recently appointed director of religious education for the Presbyterian Church. A three years’ contract with the Hastings and District Scots Society awaits Mr J. Mac Gee, professional piper, of Glasgow. A companion on the voyage was Bandmaster W. Saunters of the Royal Marines, who will take up an appointment in H.M.N.Z.S. Bellona.

The first appointee to the Chair of Mechanical Engineering at Auckland University College, Professor G. C. J. Dalton, a New Zealand Rhodes Scholar in 1937, also arrived with his wife and family in the Rangitoto. The liner’s commander, Captain A. W. Lettington, said the ship had behaved excellently in everyway.