BUILDING A LINER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21912, 22 September 1934, Page 3 (Supplement)

BUILDING A LINER

ABOUT 2,000,000 RIVETS TWO HUNDRED MILES OF CABLE Two hundred miles of electric cable, 10,800 tons of steel, about 2,000,000 rivets, and more than 170,000 lineal feet of teak —these are only a few of the items being employed in the construction of the new Orient liner Orion at the yards of Vickers-Armstrong, Ltd., Barrow-in-Furness, England. The teak, which has been the traditional timber used in the building of ships since the earliest days, has been obtained from special 200-year-old trees growing in the Burmese forests. Romance and sentiment haver been all but forgotten in the prosaic business of shipbuilding since the virtual passing of sailing ships, says the Melbourne Argus. In the construction of the modern ocean liner efficiency and economy are the essentials which now receive first consideration. Speaking of the Orion recently. Sir Alan Anderson, chairman of directors of the Orient Steam Navigation Company said: —"When I first went to Australia we carried sail. Nest I remember warm arguments for dummy yards because the ship looked 'naked' without them; then later for four masts for dignity. Now funnels have replaced masts as a sign of grace. But 1 hope that our new ship is not less dignified in appearance because she is more efficient in plan." When the Orion arrives in Australia next year she will present an unusual appearance with her single mast, single funnel, and various other improvements on the Orient liners now comprising; the Australian fleet. Skilled artists and interior decorators are busy designing cabin furniture and glass, silver, and china ware. Every hook, handle, and electric light fitting in the first-class cabins will be constructed of a stainless material resembling ivory. Each cabin will be equipped with an electric radiator and a thermos flask of chilled water. With a speed of 20 knots the new liner will be the largest and most modern ever to visit Australia.