A STATE MOTOR-SHIP.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17008, 15 April 1926, Page 3

A STATE MOTOR-SHIP.

FOR PACIFIC TRADE. The Government is already represented in tlie fruit trade of the Pacific by the Cook Islands Administration’s steamer Hinemoa, which is in the Niue and Cook islands service, with occasional trips elsewhere in departmental interests. But a distinct step in advance is implied by tho calling of tenders in the United Kingdom for a new motor-propelled pas-senger-nnd-cargo ship designed to carry between 10,COO and 12,000 eases of tropical fruit. The ship designed would have iv speed on trials of not Jess than 12£ knots, and her dimensions would be : Length 199vjft,, beam 30ft.. and draught when fully loaded with 930 tons of dead-weigTit, 14ft. The electrical auxiliary machinery would include four winches, a windlass, steering gear, warping winch, and refrigerating plant. Tin; vessel mould he driven by twin screws. If 'is J expected that, in tlie mutter of the carriage of fruit, elm would serve especially the mandated territory of Western Samoa, but her services as cargo-carrier and as administration ship would also be available to. other Pacific territories as' required. •So far tho matter has not got beyond tiic calling of tenders, which Mere to close on March 31 last. After expert examination at Homo of the tenders, the High 'Commissioner will eonnnmiieale his advice.