Modern Motor-Vessel At Port Whangarei

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1939, Page 5

Modern Motor- Vessel At Port Whangarei

Although not as large as the Salvos and the Antonio, which brought cargoes of newsprint from Nova Scotia to Port Whangarei, the Union Steamship Company Ltd’s Kauri, which berthed early yesterday, is by far the most modern and, for that matter, is one of the most modern vessels of her type afloat. Built only three years ago, the Kauri has a registered tonnage of 2361, and carries 3000 tons of cargo. Ker crew comprises 29 officers, engineers and men.

She unloaded earlier this week 2500 tons of coal at Auckland, and yesterday discharged the balance of 500 tons from on behalf of the New Zealand Railways. An/"Advocate” reporter was privileged to inspect the vessel yesterday morning. Captain A. Inman explaining the more modern features which Lave been incorporated in the construction. Electrically Driven Winches. The Kauri, which is oil driven with a Sulzsr engine, has a single screw, and cruises at about -Hi- knots. Her 12 winches are all electrically driven, j and she has six hatches. “The oil 1 consumption is exceptionally low for

this class of ship, only about tons sea,” said Captain Inman. Probably one of the greatest improvements which the Kauri lias is that all the crew’s living accommodation is amidships, no one having to live cither forward or aft. Comfortable Quarters. The accommodation, which in some vessels is the subject of continual dissatisfaction, is regarded by members of the crew as “very comfortable,” even hot and cold shower baths being provided. The quarters for the officers and [ engineers are also on novel lines, each having a separate flat of rooms, with shower baths, etc., while another now

of oil being used during one day at feature is a smoking room just off the main dining saloon. The bridge of the vessel has also been given every modern advantage, the steering apparatus being controlled by an electric Telemotor, which can alter the course of the ship almost instantaneously. Adjoining lire chart room is a wireless room containing all the latest necessities for maintaining safe contact with the outside world. Yesterday afternoon representatives of the Whangarei Harbour Board, Mr E. L. Whimp (chairman), Mr R. H. Allan, and the engineer-secretary, Mr W. M. Fraser, paid a courtesy call on Captain Inman.