NEW MINESWEEPER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24698, 29 August 1941, Page 6

NEW MINESWEEPER

FIRST BUILT IN DOMINION LAUNCHING CEREMONY OTHERS READY SHORTLY (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Aug. 28. His Majesty’s minesweeper Hinau, the first New Zealand-built naval vessel, was successfully launched today and towed to her fitting-out berth The ceremony was performed by Mrs D. G. Sullivan, wife of the Minister of Supply, who broke a bottle of New Zealand wine, naming the ship and saying: “God bless you and all who serve, in you.” There , was a large attendance of the public ahd representatives of the services, arid' addresses were given by Mr Hendry Luke, chairman of the Harbour Board, the Mayor, Mr J. A. C. Allum. Captain E. Rotheram, representing the navy, the Minister of Supply. Mr D. G. Sullivan, and Mr H. Seagar, the contractor. The Minister said the great portion of the material used in the vessel’s construction was the best New Zealand.timber, kauri and totara.

“This tough minesweeper represents the beginning in New Zealand of the construction of naval vessels,”! 1 he said, “ and. having begun well, development depends on time and opportunity. The Government has already gone beyond its original programme, and will extend it still further if expansion is necessary. The Hinau. is fitted with powerful engines, and has a good turn of speed. She is roomy enough to provide. comfortable, quarters for a crew of 25.. Let .us , hope that the Hinau, in taking the water, will take part in the final overthrow of the ruthless enemies of peace and progress.”