Mr. McKeen May Be Chairman Of Committees

Northern Advocate, 12 May 1939, Page 2

Mr. McKeen May Be Chairman Of Committees

\Per Press Association. Copyright]

WELLINGTON, This Day. Consideration was given at yesterday’s caucus of the members of the Parliamentary Labour Party to the question of .a successor to the late Mr E. J. Howard as Chairman of Committees in the House of Representatives.

The Prime Minister, Mr Savage, said last night that the caucus was of the opinion that the chief Government Whip, Mr R. McKeen, M.P. for Wellington South, should be nominated for the position. Mr McKeen would, therefore, be nominated as Chairman of Committees when Parliament met next month.

The present Speaker of the House, the Hon. W. E; Barnard, said Mr Savage, would be nominated for a further term as Speaker.

New Luxury Launch For Whangarei Fleet

To Whangarei’s already large fleet of pleasure craft is being added yet another ultra-modern seagoing launch. It is a 37-footer under construction at the rear of the Whangarei Engineering Company for Mr F. Reynolds. Mr J. G. Cox, of Auckland, has designed the vessel, and is in charge of its construction. He has with him three expert craftsmen. In two months the giant hulk has taken shape rapidly, and it is expected that another six weeks will suffice tc prepare the boat for its ! initial try-out. i Mr Cox has spared nothing in his effort to make the vessel a worthy seagoing structure. Extra strength has •been his motto in preparing the craft for anticipated buffeting in open seas. Reliable Kauri. Throughout the vessel heart kauri has been used, while teak is being utilised for exterior woodwork. The launch has been fastened with copper and bronze, there being no ironwork whatever.

Measuring 37 feet by 11 feet, with a draught of 3 feet 1 inch, the boat will bo driven by a 105 horse-power Lycoming petrol engine. Underneath the cockpit seats will be two 75-gallon petrol tanks, while 130 gallons of water will also be carried there. One of the features of the ship’s construction is the manner in which space has been utilised to the utmost. Builtin wardrobes reduce space to a minimum, and, at the same time, provide ample accommodation for the usual amount of gear that goes with a long cruise. Eight people will be able to bed down in the craft, and they will have their meals cooked by a modern gasstove. Practically every convenience of a home itself will be provided on the vessel.

Boasting an exceptionally large cockpit, Mr Reynolds’ new boat will be a fine addition to the craft now moored in the Town Wharf basin.