FIFTY YEARS AGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22654, 20 August 1935, Page 7

FIFTY YEARS AGO

NEW PASSENGER VESSEL PROGRESS MADE SINCE A striking contrast between the liners of half a century ago and to-day is provided by comparing the vessel now being built for the Union Steam Ship Company for its intercolonial trade, with a transTasman vessel constructed for the company 50 years ago. details of which were published at that time. The Mararoa. the latest and finest addition to the Union Steam Ship Company’s fleet, has recently been launched, stated the article. Her dimensions are:—Length, 320 ft; breadth, 42ft; depth, 26ft; gross tonnage, over 3000. The steamer is constructed of mild steel throughout, ha ß a full poop, midship houses, and top-gallaut forecastle, and is rigged as a two-masted schooner. There is accommodation for 140 first-class and 80 second-class passengers. Public rooms in the first-class portion of the ship, described as unusually luxurious, comprised the saloon, “ noble room, 36ft by 38ft; “ drawing room and smoking room.” The engines developed 3000 horsepower. The vessel now being built will be 14,000 tons gross. She will be 644 ft long with a beam of 74ft, and will develop 20,000 horse-power. She will accommodate 400 first-class and 160 tourist-class passengers. In addition to the dining saloon, capable of seating 280 people, first-class accommodation will include a smoking room and women’s clubrooms, palm court, music room, library, veranda cafe, dance hail, children’s room, and gymnasium