NEW MOTOR-VESSEL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22032, 12 February 1935, Page 11

NEW MOTOR-VESSEL

AUSTRALIAN STAR LAUNCHED CEREMONY AT BELFAST [from our own correspondent] Per Air Mail LONDON, Jan. 19 The Australian Star, the last of the group of three motor-vessels ordered from Messrs. Harland and Wolff for the New Zealand service of the Blue Star Line, was launched last week at Belfast. The ceremony was performed by the Hon. Mrs. Samuel Vestey, daughter-in-law of Lord Vestev of Kingswood. Mr. H. M. Pollock, Minister of Finance, and Professor Ogilvie, Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University, together with representatives of the builders and owners, were present. In most respects, the Australian Star is on the lines of the Imperial Star, which was launched a few weeks ago by an impulse started by the GovernorGeneral in Wellington. The steamer's principal, dimensions are—Length, overall, 535.5 feet; cross tonnage, 10,800 tons, approximately. The ship has eight watertight bulkheads and six cargo holds, all insulated. The double bottom, which extends from the fore peak bulkhead to the well in the after tunnel recess, is divided into water ballast, oil fuel and fresh water tanks, while the fore and aft peaks are arranged for ballast. Special attention has been given to the strengthening of the ship's structure under the machinery. Oil fuel is also carried in a deep tank forward of the engine room, and at the side and between the funnels at the aft end of the vessel. Complete steel structure is arranged for on the shelter, upper, main, lower, bridge, boat and passenger decks.