Matua Launched

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 73, 27 March 1936, Page 8

Matua Launched

UNION COMPANY VESSEL. ISLAND FRUIT TRADE. United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph —Copyright. LONDON, March 25. The Union Steam Ship Company’s 4000-ton passenger freighter Matua was launched at Hawthorn, Leslie, and Co.’s yard at Hebburn, Newcastle-on-Tyne, being christened by Mrs Cowan, wife of the London chairman of the Union Company. The Matua is a fast motor-ship specially designed for the Island fruit trade, and her. Diesel engines are expected to give her a speed of 164 knots on loaded draught. She is to have a straight stem raked forward, cruiser stern, two masts, and one funnel. Accommodation is provided for about 40 passengers, who will enjoy most of the comforts available on a large passenger liner. Nino cabins, each fitted with two bedsteads, are to be fitted on the upper deck at the fore end of tho midship structure, and four of these will bo able to accommodate a third person in a Pullman berth. On tho promenade deck there will be 15 single bedstead cabins and one two-berth cabin. Ail the cabins will be comfortably furnished with bedsteads, wash basins with hot and cold running water, wardrobes, and chairs. The dining saloon will also be situated on this deck. Forward of the dining saloon there will bo a comfortable lounge. The vessel is to have live cargo holds, which will havo ’tween decks fitted except No. 5, and excepting Nos. 2 and 4 lower holds all cargo space will be insulated. The refrigerating system will be of tho latest type for the carriage of fruit. A capacity of 94,000 cubic feet of insulated space has been arranged for, and provision will be made for insulating the remaining cargo space if circumstances warrant.