LAUNCH OF A STEAMER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14836, 13 November 1911, Page 8

LAUNCH OF A STEAMER.

FOR THE PATE A-WELLINGTON" TRADE. Tine new "steamer Hawera, which has been constructed at the shipbuilding yards of Mr. W. H. Brown, for the Patea Shipping Co.. was successfully launched under favourable conditions at 1030 on Saturday. Among those present at the ceremony were Messrs. W. H. G. Bennett and R. 0. Renner, directors of. the Patea Shipping Co. The vessel, which was christened Hawera by Miss P. D. Renner, glided down the ways into the water without a hitch. After the launching, the visitors were entertained by the builders and representatives of the company.

The Hawera is the second vessel which Mr. Brown has built for the Patea Shipping Co. She is a fine model of a vessel, and reflects great credit on the builder. Sho is of about 200 tons gross register, having a Carrying capacity of 160 tons, exclusive of machinery, and when completed will bo employee! in the frozen meat trade between Patea and Wellington. Her length over all is 112 ft, with a beam of 20ft, and a depth of hold of Bft 6in, while her loaded draught is about Bft 6in. She is to be fitted with refrigerating machinery, while her propelling power will consist of compound surface condensing engines, which will be supplied by Messrs. G. Eraser and Sons. The vessel's keel and kelsons are of ironbark, while the frame and planking is kauri. The iron work for the hull was supplied by Mr. J. B. Massey, and the boiler was imported from England. She has accommodation for six passengers The captains' and officers' quarters are situated in a deck-house, under the bridge amidships. She was designed by Mr Bennett, who also superintended her construction. It will be about three weeks before the Hawera is ready for sea, as the machinery and boiler have yet to bo installed. She will then probably leave for Wellington, to take up her running between that port and Patea.