PURCHASE OF THE S.S. PAEROA

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1917, Page 1

PURCHASE OF THE S.S. PAEROA

FOP LOCAL SHIPPING TRADE

Advice was received from Mr. R. Wild, Secretary of the Hokitika Shipping Coy Ltd., on Saturday afternoon that lie * would to-day pay £SOO on account of the purchase of the s.s Pacroa for the local shipping trade, which includes the South Westland service.

The general report in regard to the condition of tlie ship is very satisfactory. Hr. Wild in company with. Captain Jamieson made a preliminary inspection of the hull on Thursday, and being satisfied with what the examination revealed, decided to have the. boat placed on the. slip on Friday, last. Following this closer examination, Mr. Wild was able to advise the. directors that the inspection confirmed the first view ) and ho then indicated he would pay over £'soo to-day to confirm the purchase. 'file boat is being purchased for £I,OOO and the estimate for repairs is in the vicinity of £SOO. Those latter are to be carried out at once, by tile Northern Steam Ship Coy. from which tlie steamer is being purchased. The Company have, been very obliging in carrying through the deal, meeting-all the wishes of the purchasers readily. -Mr. Wild mentions there was a proposal to convert the saloon into an after hold, hut he is not having this done —at all .events for the present. The saloon is 2*l feet long, and contains fifteen passenger berths. There is a ladies’ cabin on deck with six berths and lavatory* accommodation. Mr. Wild believes the steamer could be used profitably for sounds excursions from Hokitika during the holiday season, hence the determination to leave the capacious passenger accommodation intact.

The repairs include a complete overhaul of the hull, with special attention to the keel and belting. A stronger front, is to be put in to the bridge. The decks and topsides are to be rocnulked awnings necessary for the northern summer trading, are to be stripped. The conditions of the boat is generally most satisfactory, and Captain Jamieson agrees with Mr. Wild that the company, is getting a good bargain in the purchase of this boat. The draught of the steamer load ed will be in the vicinity of six feet and a-half aft.

Captain Jamieson will remain in Auckland to supervise the repairs and overhaul, and the stoamoi-'will load lit Auckland for the Coast, and lie brought down by Captain Jamieson as soon as ready. The repairs are estimated to take about three weeks. Captain Vastn has gone to Wellington to take charge of tlie Defender during the ahs > n o of Captain Jamieson, and he will ultimately assume command of the Paeron which will make a southern trip during next month.

The learn these arrangements are so very satisfactory and promising. The advent of the steamer will be welcomed very heartily by the Southern people no doubt, and it is to be hoped she will have a lengthy and useful career before her in these waters .