NEW LINER LAUNCHED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21254, 7 February 1931, Page 11

NEW LINER LAUNCHED

THE STRATHNAVER. A RECORD CROWD PRESENT. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, February 5. Towering majestically and glittering white between the skeletons of her sister ship the Strathaird, and,the Union Company’s Rangatira, the Peninsula and Orient Company’s biggest 20,000tonner Strathnaver was launched at Barrow-in-Furness at midday without a hitch in the presence of a record crowd. She is the heaviest hull launched from Vickers, yet it was the most successful in history. The moment the Earl of Inchcape’s daughter, Lady Janet Bailey, christened the vessel with a bottle of Australian burgundy, the Strathnaver began to move, and took the water with a minimum of noise and fuss to the accompaniment of hearty cheers in honour of Vickers managing director (Commander Craven). The guests previously saw at the company’s workshops the models of the firstclass and tourist cabins with which the Strathnaver is being fitted, respectively with African walnut and English oak. It is certainly the last word in comfort and charm. Australians will have an opportunity of seeing her at the end of the year on her maiden voyage from London on October 2 under the popular Commander Ohlson. Vickers gave a luncheon to a gathering of 100 people. Sir Herbert Lawrence, who presided, paid a tribute to the Earl of Inchcape’s vision and foresight in placing orders at this time of depression. Mr Larkin (Australia) said he was confident that the Earl of Inchcape’s courage would ultimately be rewarded, because Australia’s recuperative powers were immense. The present depression was a passing phase, and emergence would be encouraged by further manifestations of faith similar to that of the Earl of Inchcape.