NEW PASSENGER VESSEL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21742, 6 September 1932, Page 11

NEW PASSENGER VESSEL

NEW ZEALAND-ENGLAND SERVICE AKAROA UNDERGOING ALTERATIONS. A short time ngo cabled news was received stating that the Aberdeen triple screw liner Euripides (15,000 tons), well-known in the Australian trade, had been taken over by the Shaw, Savill, and'Albion Co., Ltd., for the New Zea-alnd-England service via the Panama canal, and that she would be renamed Akaroa—a name borne by a previous vessel of the line and one of historical interest to New Zealanders. Later hews from London indicates that the vessel will undergo a very extensive overhaul, including converting her into an oil burner, before vher entry into the New Zealand trade in December. Her passenger accommodation, which was originally for two classes, will also undergo considerable renovation and she is to become a one-class vessel, carrying cabin class passengers only, and the entire cabin accommodation will have the distinct advantage of bciug situated amidships. Amongst other important changes will be the installation of .a running hot and cold water supply to all cabins, which is in keeping with the arrangements on most up-to-date passenger liners. The installation *of a swimming pool will be an innovation in the service via the Panama canal, for the Akaroa will be the only vessel using that route to have a permanent swimming pool. There are to be single berth cabins on all three passenger decks, and several staterooms will have private bathrooms attached. The vessel's promenade decks will be extended so that the deck spaces will be unusually liberal, providing ample room for all deck games.

The Akaroa is due to sail from Southampton on December 30, and it is anticipated that she will make a fast passage. She is scheduled to sail from New Zealand on her homeward voyage on March 8, 1933. The regularity of arrivals and departures maintained by the royal mail liners Mataroa and Tamaroa in the express cabin service at. present provided by the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company will be fully maintained by the advent of the Akaroa, as this vessel has a turn of speed equal to that of the other ships. The regular steaming performances of the Mataroa and Tamaroa at close on 15 knots have often been the subject of favourable comment by passengers and seafarers, and it is a striking fact that in the last 10 voyages of each of these vessels from New Zealand to Southampton (11,200 miles) tlilength in time of voyages has not varied by more than a few hours.