THE TARANAKI

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 198, 4 August 1928, Page 6

THE TARANAKI

A MODERN MOTOR SHIP. SPEEDY TRANSIT PROVIDED. Undoubtedly one of the most interesting vessels to visit Napier is the Shaw, Savill and Albion Co.’s motor-ship Taranaki, which is on her maiden voyage to New Zealand waters and is now at anchor in the roadstead. From the point of view of modern engineering the vessel is exceptionallv interesting as it embodies the very latest ideas in motor con struction.’ The Taranaki has a gross tonnage of 8285. and is of an unusually trim and attractive appearance.

Through the courtesy of Dalgety and Co., the local agents, a party of Napier and Hastings business men, along with a ‘.‘Tribune" representative, visited the vessel yesterday, where they were most hospitably entertained. The focus of interest was the engine-room, over which the party was shown by the chief engineer, Mr. Saunders. The very latest ideas ip motor engineering are incorporated here, where two huge Deisel twocycle, six-cylinder engines of 8250 brake horse-power provide the motive power. A most elaborate system ot cooling the cylinders bv salt water is provided. The water is circulated through these great engines by means of centrifugal pumps, which are all controlled from one platform. On each is installed a most sensitive indicator which records the slightest defect in the pumping.

ELECTRICITY EVERYWHERE. Practically the whole of the ship is worked by electricity and, for this, four generators of 220 volts developing 275 kilowatts each are provided. Each generator is driven by a 600 B.H.P. motor and by this means, should a stoppage occur with any one generator, a full supply of electricity is assured. A wonderful fuel oil system for the two Diesel engines has been installed, it being known as the blast injecting system. The oil is injected into the cylinders by means of an air compressor thus ensuring an even supply to each firing head. For the handling of cargo electrical appliances have been installed. Fitted with numerous derricks, the Taranaki can be loaded rapidly from lighters working on both sides, making her an ideal vessel for roadstead porw. very spacious holds are provided, enabling produce to he stored away wiwkwii the slightest damage The storing space for frozen meat is specially designed for this industry and should enable the carcases to open up on the Home markets to advantage. QUICK RUNS CERTAIN. The Taranaki is specially designed for the New Zealand trade in order that the Dominion's produce may be better able to compete with that of the Argentine. The vessel, which has a speed of between 16 and 17 knots, will be able to make the trip to the United Kingdom in 31 days. This will mean a great boon, for wool, and especially the earlier clips, will be in time for the earlier Home markets, which should reflect profitably ,to growers in New - Zealand. In order further to foster this trade it is understood that the company intend putting on the slips shortlv two fast 20,(100-ton vessels. Although essentially equipped as a cargo vessel for transporting both wool and frozen meat, the Taranaki has some passenger accommodation. This is most comfortably fitted, ensuring passengers most delightful travelling.'