NEW CUNARD LINER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21881, 17 August 1934, Page 11

NEW CUNARD LINER

LAUNCHING NEXT MONTH PREPARATIONS IN HAND LONDON. August 7 So much progress has been made with the construction of the new Cunard liner, No. 534 —the world's largest ship —that rehearsals in connection with the launching ou September 26 have been begun. Experts are convinced that, providing there is no gale, the launching will be without a hitch. Even a gale would have little effect, although, owing to the narrow waterway opposite, there would be some risk of the hull becoming unmanageable before the tugs took control. Eight great steel launching triggers, each with a hydraulic load of .300 tons, are already in position and will be operated by an electric button. The world's largest rudder, weighing 163 tons, streamlined and made of special steel, was swung into position to-day. It is so delicately poised and has so perfect a balance that it will absorb the highest degree of stresses in steering. New designs which have been prepared for the first-class accommodation, and which will be completed after the launching, constitute a great advance on anything afloat. The King and Queen will travel from Balmoral for the ceremony, which will be broadcast throughout the world. The day probably will be proclaimed a public holiday on Clydebank.