£l500 FOR MOTOR LIFEBOAT

Southland Times, Issue 23735, 6 February 1939, Page 6

£l500 FOR MOTOR LIFEBOAT

SERVICE IN HAURAKI GULF (Special to The Times) AUCKLAND, February 5. Plans for the construction of a 'motor lifeboat to be used in cases of emergency in Hauraki Gulf have been drawn by the Auckland division of the New Zealand Coastguard. The Coastguard is under the command of Captain J. P. Eastmure, who announced on Saturday that a campaign would be started to raise the cost of the launch which is expected to be more than £l5OO. The New Zealand Coastguard is a voluntary organization which has been in operation in Auckland since last August. At present there are about 30 members, who are receiving a thorough training on naval lines to assist at any time of need, the division being stationed at the signal tower at the end of King’s wharf. The design of the lifeboat, which will be powered by a Diesel engine, is sturdy with ample accommodation. It will be 40ft in length and have a designed speed of 17 knots. On top of the high wheelhouse a searchlight will be carried and the construction of the boat will make it adaptable for minesweeping or any other work required by the Admiralty in time of war. Hopes are held by Captain Eastmure that the launch will be in service by next summer. The division intends that a man will permanently stand by the vessel with members on call at any time in emergency, the coastguards being divided into two weekly watches.