BOATS TO RECOMMISSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23169, 15 October 1938, Page 12

BOATS TO RECOMMISSION

TUG AND PILOT LAUNCH WORK ON THE TE AWHINA Two vessels owned by the Auckland Harbour Board which have been out of service for soirfe months, the tug Te Awhina and the pilot launch Waitemata, will be recommissioned by the end of next week. Since she foundered after a collision with the Federal motor-ship Essex in August the To Awhina has received a complete refit. For the past two days steam has been raised in one of the boilers and the final stages of the overhaul are being carried out at Hobson Wharf. Almost a complete transformation has been effected to the pilot launch Waitemata since her withdrawal in July. Her 75 liorse-power kerosene engine was removed after 25 years' service and replaced by a 105 horse-power Diesel unit. A funnel in tho Harbour Board colours has been mounted in place of tho exhaust previously used, a canopy has been constructed over the cockpit and the wheelhouso rebuilt and moved forward about eight feet. Fresh and trim, the Waitemata now presents tho appearance of a steam yacht. A marine survey of tho Auckland Harbour on more thorough lines than previously carried out will be made possible by the installation of an electrical echo-sounding device in the Waitemata. The recording instrument has been fitted in tho wheelhouse, which also now contains the launch's transmitting and receiving wireless equipment.