NEW SOUTHERN CROSS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21254, 6 August 1932, Page 6

NEW SOUTHERN CROSS

MUNCHING CEREMONIT WELL-EQUIPPED VESSEL DETAILS OF ACCOMMODATION [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] LONDON, June 30 About 600 church people, beside a great number of the general public, assembled last week to witness the launching of the Southern Cross VI., the new twin-screw motor-vessel for the Melanesian Mission. The ceremony took place at the yards of the builders, Messrs. John Samuel White and Company, East Cowes. It was a gloriously fine day, and church people interested in the mission came from all parts of the Isle of Wight, from Portsmouth, Bournemouth and from London. The Bishop of Portsmouth, Dr. Neville Lovett, C.8.E., said they were proud to be gathered there to witness the launching of a great missionary ship, gre£.t not because of its dimensions, but because of the work for whijh it stood and because the diocese of Portsmouth was associated with the great ships of His Majesty's 1 Navy. It was a matter for congratulation to those who cared about the extension of God's kingdom that they should b« associated with the building and launching of a missionary ship for a purpose which had been consecrated by the blood and martyrdom of Bishop Patteson 60 years ago, and by the self-sacrifice and service of many messengers of the Gospel since then. .[ Admiral Sir Arthur K. Waistell said that the thing that had impressed him most about the missionaries was their wonderful devotion to their work. There were occasion* when, owing to the disturbed and dangerous state of the country, it was necessary to advise the missionaries to go into a place of safety. They always had the greatest difficulty in per-" suading the missionaries to leave, as they wished to continue their efforts quite regardless of their own personal safety. " Waters of the Great Deep " Lady Bridgeman then launched the Southern Cross, saying: "In the name of the Holy Blessed and glorious Trinity I call this ship the Southern Cross, and I launch her on the waters of the great deep that she may go to the other side of the world, bearing the heralds of the Gospel to the isles that wait for its redeeming grace." Lady Bridgeman broke a bottle of Australian wine suspended over the ship's side, tied with and encased by the national colours, and as she did so the vessel glided gracefully into the river Medina amid the cheers of the assembly. The Rev. A. E. Corner said that the Southern Cross' officers would be Englishmen and the crew natives of Melanesia, who had been well trained on their present ship. She would be used for enabling the bishop to supervise his work, to take the missionaries from island to island, and to places quite unconnected with any line of steamers. That vessel would replace one which after 30 years' service was almost worn out. When it was known that they must provide a new ship, said Mr. Corner, they were offered til kinds of vessels from millionaires' yachts to steam trawlers. They resisted all the tempting offers and de cided 18 months ago that they :amst build a new ship. They started with £9OOO to build a ship costing £20,000. The money came in very well, the bulk of it from quite poor people. When they first decided to build they were promised £SOOO from New Zealand toward the cost, bat that country had suffered most terribly from earthquake and now (needed their help. He was glad to tell them they only required £SOO now to clear off the debt. Particulars of the Ship The dimensions and other particulars of the ship include: Length overall, 106 ft.; breadth, 25ft.; carrying capacity, 60 tons; speed, nine knots. A large deckhouse amidships on the upper, deck is arranged for the accommodation,of the bishop, mission officials, and for the .ship's officers. For a vessel of such modest dimensions very extensive accommodation has been provided for both European and native personnel, together with ample hold space for the carriage of mission stores, etc. The vessel ia electrically lighted throughout. The dining saloon and chapel, the bishop's room and the captain's room are situated at the fore end of the deckhouse. Accommodation for other mission and ship's officers is arranged aft the dining saloon and consists of six cabins. In addition to the propulsion by Diesel motors, provision is made for fitting a set of sails to the vessel. Two carved-built 20ft. lifeboats are stowed in davits on the boat deck. The main engines are of th© two-cycle cold starting type by Messrs. L. Gardner and Sons, Limited, having five cylinders. The Southern Cross, which was subsequently dedicated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, left London for Auckland on July 29.