The Motor Vessel “Tiri”

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 3, 23 October 1931, Page 4

The Motor Vessel “Tiri”

The motor vessel “Tiri,” which under the new ten-year agreement made by Messrs. A. G. Frankham, Ltd., with local shippers, has replaced the a.s. “Coronation” in the AwanuiAuckland trade, made her first trip from Auckland on Monday. Sailing at noon, she made a quick trip up, averaging a speed of 9.25 knots, the weather being beautifully fine. The skipper, Capt. T. Monaghan, who commanded the “Coronation” during the yast four years, expressed himself as greatly pleased with his new command. He was for six months with her sister ship, the “Hokianga,” so was quite used to her type.

The “Tiri” was only launched some three months ago from the wellknown shipyards of Mr. Nicol at Freeman’s Bay, Auckland, and save for a voyage to Norfolk Island, when she proved herself a very seaworthy boat, this is her first trip. The “Tiri” is 100 ft. in length with a 25ft. beam, and a depth of Bft. 6in. She is very strongly built for the coastal trade of bar harbours, her hull having three thicknesses of timber, laid diagonally, and five inches thick, giving great strength. The hull is also strengthened with bulbangle frames of a special design. The hold is heavily lined and is fitted with fume-tight bulkheads to allow the carriage of case oil under hatches. Teak is largely used all over the vessel, giving an impression of richness as well as solidity. She will carry about 180 tons of cargo.

The engine is a 210 horsepower Fairbanks-Morse full Diesel engine, which drives a single screw propeller, for which Capt. Monoghan expressed his preference over a double screw for river work. There is a powerful windlass on the forecastle head, which has a lifting capacity of a ton, and was handling goods on Monday with great despatch.

The quarters for the captain, officers and engineers, of which there is accommodation for six, are beautifully fitted up and look very comfortable, and there is a snug looking saloon. The ventilation is exceptionally good, ceiling lights providing both light and air, and electric light throughout. The tiny galley is well fitted up for cooking, while in the forecastle there are quarters for eight men.

The vessel will be open for public inspection next Tuesday afternoon from 2 to 4, and in her spick and span and glossy newness is well worth a visit. She is a fine example of local shipbuilding and does credit to the enterprise of her owners.