LAUNCH OF THE S.S. MARY ALLEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6000, 9 February 1881, Page 6

LAUNCH OF THE S.S. MARY ALLEN.

This vessel was launched on the "Whanake Creek, •Kaipara Kiver, on February 3. Her dimensions arc :—Forty-eight feet length of keel, total deck 52 feet over all, 10 feet breadth of beam, 5 feet depth of hold, 1G tons (about), 10 , horse-power high pressure engine, good cabin fore and aft. She is intended to ran between Tauhoa and Helensville. The launch was intended to take place on the 2nd February, and great numbers of persons attended hoping to witness the interesting event. They were, however, for that day doomed to disappointment. Mr. Parker, on Mr. Allen's behalf, announced the fact that the tide had turned, and they would not for that day be able to get the vessel off. All present were invited on board to partake of refreshments, which were abundantly provided. About eighty or ninety accepted the invitation, and enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The young people, under the direction of the schoolteacher, Mrs. Dent, sang lively pieces, and groups of settlers discussed the merits of the new steamer with its prospects of success. The prevailing opinion was that the passenger traffic would be diverted from Port Albert and via Mahurangi, and that Mr. Allen would succeed in his enterprise; that ultimately the mails for Port Albert and other places would pass more directly, and the delivery of letters and papers take place on Saturday instead of Sunday and Monday. A petition produced by Mr. Pain to the Rodney County Council, asking aid to remove snags in the creek, was numerously signed. The sum of £10, is ,tho probable amount required. In reply to expressions of inters!; in his undertaking, Mr: Allen said lie would try to please by moderate charges and careful attention to business. He would take care there should bo no' risk or annoy-

ance to :passengers~ through the -use of in--toxicants on board. Notwithstanding the disappointment, a pleasant afternoon was spent. ■ On Thursday, at about 10 o'clock, Mr. Charles Parker, head-builder, with his skilful co-workers, Messrs.' Pain and others, ■were ready to knock away the last obstruction to the comely little vessel, and Mrs. Bashford, with bottle in hand, ready for the christening. At last she moved and the lady's voice named her the " Mary Allen," and wished success to the beautiful vessel. Onwards she glided steadily, almost noiselessly, until she floated upon the water amid the joyful shouts and cheers of the spectators. The National Anthem was then sung. The vessel having'.been secured in position, the delighted and generous proprietor invited all to take r tea on board. About 50 persons were thus regaled. After tea, Mr. Witheford was called to fill the office of chairman; In a short speech he eulogised the steady, enduring energy "of those who about IS years ago settled on the Oruawharo and neighbouring districts, and more.recently, say within six or eight years, the determined aetivo perseverance of the settlers on the Tauhoa. Facilities were being afforded of communication with the city of Auckland, and he hoped there would be a ready market for all kinds of 2>roduce. He wished success to the present undertaking. Mr. Burdett moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Allen for the manner he had entertained the visitors, and wishing him great success. .He also read some verses composed for the occasion. Three cheers were called for and heartily given to Mr. Allen for his determination so far carried out of placing a steamer on the Kaipara waters ; to Charlie Parker, for his skill in building the vessel; and to Mrs'. Bashford, for the ceremony she had so well performed. In reply Mr. Allen said he was encouraged, and would endeavour to advance the interest of the settlers. Mrs. Bashford spoke highly of Mr. Allen's courage and perseverance under discouragement,. and bore testimony to the excellence of his character, and hoped he would meet with all the support and encouragement he deserved. Mr. Bashford spoke in a similar manner, and was cheered. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close.—[A Correspondent.]