HIFOFUA COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL TRIALS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 91, 8 July 1927, Page 16

HIFOFUA COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL TRIALS

NEW SHIP FOR TONGA TO SAIL NEXT WEEK The motor-vessel, Hifofua, built by Mr. C. Bailey, jun., of Auckland, with a 100 h.p. semi-Diesel engine installed by the Twigg Engineering Company, underwent successful trials yesterday afternoon. Shortly after one o’clock the vessel left her berth at the Central Wharf under lier own power. Answering the helm to a nicety, she swung into midstream, and after manoeuvring for a while off Prince’s Wharf, proceeded down the harbour. OVER TEN KNOTS For a time the engines did not run too smoothly, but they soon settled down and the Hifofua averaged 8.57 knots to the Tiritiri lighthouse. Coming back against the wind and turn of the tide her speed was 7.77 knots. On the next trip to the lighthouse with the now full tide and a strong wind behind her and the engine running well, the vessel averaged 10.29 knots. The average time for the four trips was later announced as 8.36 knots an hour. ENGINES OVER-HEATED Just as the Hifofua was nearing the wharf after the last trip the engines became overheated, necessitating the vessel anchoring while adjustments were made. However, she soon got under way again and returned to her berth at the Central Wharf, after a highly successful trial. Among those on board were: Mr. Robert Millar, consular agent of the Tongan Government; Mr. C. Bailey, jun., the builder; and Mr. Robert Dawson, works manager of the Twigg Engineering Company, who supervised the engine room staff.. Captain J. Woodhouse is in command of the Hifofua and Mr. W. is chief engineer. The remainder of the crew are Islanders. ORIGIN OF “HIFOFUA” The origin of the word “Hifofua” is said to date back to one of the earlier ancestors of the present ruler of Tonga, Queen Salote. This king, renowned for his physique and prowess with the battle axe, despised firearms. His army defeated the armies of all the surrounding kings, and one blow each from his mighty axe was sufficient to kill his rivals. Accordingly, the word Hifofua was used to express this singular power of the king. DIMENSIONS OF VESSEL The Hifofua was launched from Mr. Bailey’s yards at Freeman’s Bay on May 7, and after having her engine installed at Queen’s Wharf, went to Western Wharf to fit out. She is S3ft long, ISft broad, and 9ft deep, and has been built of heart of kauri, with a specially well-constructed hull to withstand severe buffetings. Besides her 100 h.p. semiDiesel engine she is also fitted with sails. After the final touches are added, the Hifofua is expected to sail next week for Tonga.