NEW WELLINGTON TUG

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7449, 25 May 1911, Page 1

NEW WELLINGTON TUG

THE MUEITAI LAUNCHED. Tho V’olllngton Harbour Ferries’ now tug Murital was launched ■ yesterday- from a slip which had been constructed near tbo Taranaki street wnarf. There were about 200 spectators to witness tho ceremony. Just prior to - the. launching, - Mrs A. E. Mabin, wife of tho chairman of directors of tbo company, broke a bottle of New Zea’and wine over the hows of the little vos.-sel. and named her..* Muritai.” Mr A E. Mabin, in an address, said that the vessel was to take her place among the other vessels of the company’s fleet, and • would endeavour to earn dividends for the company. The vessel was the first one built hero for fourteen years, and altogether he .thought that Wellington's history of shipbuilding was confined to two, or perhaps throe boats. Messrs S. Wood and Bon, of Wellington, constructed the vessel, which was well and faithfully built. Ho wished her good, luck and great earning capacity. When tho craft was released sho slid down into the water gracefully, except lor a slight list to starboard aa sho left the ways. Hearty - clioors were given, a towline was passed from the waiting tug Pilot, and the Murltai was taken away to have her “internal organs” fitted. i ' At a little function which followed, Mr XI. W. Short, Mayor of Eastbourne, congratulated the company on its progress, and on the successful launching. Ho wished the owners the beat oi good luck in their venture. *, Mr E.‘ F. G. Zohrab, manager, on behalf of the -directors, made suitable reply. Already the vessel was bespoken for her first job. If it was possible, before long, the company would no doubt have another vessel bn the stocks. • . Afterwards . tuft nealth of the builders was toasted. ■ Tbo Murltai was towed to the outer tee of tho Queen’s wharf, where her engines, boiler and funnel were lifted into position by ■ the ten-ton hydraulic crane. Subsequently, the Murital was taken to the. Railway wharf to complete her preparations for active service. The new tug is expected to be ready in about three weeks. When she is placed in commission the company’s tug Pilot will be laid up for a. thorough overhaul. '