NEW STATE SHIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20721, 14 November 1930, Page 12

NEW STATE SHIP.

MATAI VISITS AUCKLAND. LIGHTHOUSE INSPECTION. SUCCESSOR TO TUTANEKAI. A craft of graceful lines and smart ap pearance, the now Government lighthouse steamer Matai arrived at Auckland yes terday in the cour?o of its first cruis< round tho New Zealand coast. 'Hit Matai, which lias replaced tho Tutanekai arrived at Wellington froin Hcbburn-ou Tyno on October 12. After undergoing painting and overhaul tho Matai lofl Wellington on November 3 and camo tc Auckland by way of tho cast coast, specting tho various lighthouses on thE way north. Virtually tho whole of the Tutanekai'. 5 complement has been transferred to the Matai. Tho master is Captain J. W. Burgess, who has associated with him the following officers:—Chief officer, Mr. W. R. Welding; second, Mr. 11. Williams; third, Mr. E. J. Johnston; wireless operator, Mr. A. 11. Clarke; chief engineor, Mr? W. Peterson; second, Mr. A. S. Jackson; third, Mr. 11. A. Bower; fourth, Mr. M. O'.Sullivan; chief steward, Mr. J. Waters. The crew numbers 37. Although the Matai has yet to weather tho test of a tempestuous voyage on its beat round the New Zealand coast Captain Burgess entertains no misgivings about tho thorough seaworthiness of his new command. Tho voyago from Wellington to Auckland was rnado under pleasant conditions, but on the last stage of tli's voyago from' England tho Matai oncountered head winds with a southwesterly swell and rode the seas beautifully. Accommodation is provided on tho Matai for tho Vice-Regal entourage. The Vice-Regal suite, comprising six cabins and a large dining saloon, finished in oak, extends tho full width of the upper dack. The sveamoro panelling and light grey finish of the rooms designated for Her Excellency arc particularly tasteful. There is also accommodation on tho Matai for 12 lighthouse-keepers, including a special dining saloon. However, tho vessel has no passengers on board at present. A wireless direction finder and an echo depth-sounding apparatus, believed to be tho only one of its kind so far installed on a ship, aro interesting units in tho vessel's thoroughly up-to-dato equipment. Tho Matai will leave Auckland at daybreak on Monday for tho Hauraki Gulf and will probably return to Auckland by tho following week-end.