Wanganella Successfully Completes Sea Trials

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1948, Page 3

Wanganella Successfully Completes Sea Trials

WELLINGTON, Tue. (Sp.)—The Wanganella successfully underwent her sea trials yesterday and has been regranted a certificate of 100 A 1 class by Lloyds. It is nearly two years since she struck Barrett’s Reef at the entrance to Wellington Harbour.

The trials were a preliminary to the recommencement of the Tasman service on December 9.

Most of the members of the crew and one officer will arrive from Australia by air next week-end. The Wanganella will run between Wellingtan and Sydney until early in February, when it is expected the Monowai will be back in the Tasman service.

The Wanganella moved off from her berth near the floating dock and cruised in the harbour for tests of her compasses, radio direction-finders and steering gear. Then she headed for the open sea. Her speed was gradually increased to 16 knots. The new master of the Wanganella (Captain H. F. Norris) said the trials had been excellent. He felt sure that when the liner left Wellington on December 9 she would be in as perfect condition as she was before her mishap. The marine superintendent of the company (Mr D. E. Eadie) said he was most impressed by the trial. Mr Eadie paid a tribute to New Zealand workmanship.

The Wanganella will probably sail from Sydney for Auckland on February 10. The liner’s itinerary up to January 17 is as follows:—Leave Wellington December 9, arrive Sydney December 13; leave Sydney December 16, arrive Wellington December 20; leave Wellington December 23, arrive Sydney December 27; leave Sydney December 30, arrive Wellington January 3; leave Wellington January 6, arrive Sydney January 10; leave Sydney January 13. arrive Wellington January 17.