THIRD MINESWEEPER

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24078, 24 September 1941, Page 8

THIRD MINESWEEPER

LAUNCHING CEREMONY VESSEL NAMED MANUKA Described by the Government representative. the Hon. P. K. Paikea, as a small but vitally important vessel, the third of the composite type minesweepers built in Auckland for the Royal New Zealand Navy was launched from the builders' yards yesterday. Mrs. Paikea named the ship Manuka, so that the three which have been built all bear names of native trees, the two others being Hinau and Rimu. Built of kauri and totara over a steel frame, with wooden keel and sternpost, the Manuka is of tho same size as the others and will be manned by a crew of 25. The contractors are Mason Brothers' Engineering Company. Limited, and tho sub-contractors W. G. Lowe and Son, Limited. The launching took place from Lowe and Son's yards. A naval service was conducted by the Rev. G. T. Robson, naval chaplain, and music was provided by the Papakura Camp Band, which at tho conclusion of the ceremony played "Abide With Me" in respect to the late Mr. George Mason, a member of the contracting firm, who died recently in Dunedin. Several of tho official speakers expressed sympathy with the family and the company, and workmen engaged in the launching wore black armbands. Mrs. Paikea named the Manuka in Maori, and during the ceremony she wore a rare Maori mat. On behalf of the builders, Mr. T. F. Lowe thanked Mrs. Paikea for her part in the ceremony and expressed appreciation of the good wishes extended by Mr. Paikea. He also thanked the men for the way in which they had worked. Later, guests were entertained to morning tea.