HOUSE BOAT

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 24, 23 August 1928, Page 4

HOUSE BOAT

FERRY TO BE CONVERTED.

AUCKLAND, August 21.

The old ferry paddle-slceamer Britannia was sold for £3. The purchaser, Mrs ML Daveney, of Bayswater, intends to have the vessel towed to Waiheke and converted into a house boat. The Britannia was built in 1886, and .employed in the harbour service until 1920. The Devouport Company then sold her ito the Takapuna Company for £IOOO. A considerable amount was spent in overhauling and bringing her up to date, but she was used very rarely. Two years ago she was pensioned off. It was not long, however, before Mr P. Fitzherbert, of Wellington, became interested in the Britannia and purchased her for £l7O. B was his intention to convert her into a houseboat for use off Kawau Island. His scheme never eventuated, ,and it was he who sold the vessel to Mrs Daveney, who is pre- _ pared to renovate the Britannia.' About twenty flats will be provided on board, and a dancing floor will be made on the Hop deck. The hull is in almost perfect condition.