STRATHNAVER LAUNCHED

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1931, Page 9

STRATHNAVER LAUNCHED

P, AHD 0. LINER FOR AUSTRALIA.

LORD INCHCAPE’S OPTIMISM.

By Telegraph—Preis Assn.—Copyright. Londm-, Feb. 5-

Towering majestically, and glittering whjte between the skeleton of her sister ship Strathaird and the Union Company’s Rangitira, the Peninsular qnd Oriental Compd.riy’i biggest vessel, the 22,000-tonner, Stratlinaver, was launched at Barrow-in-Furness at midday without a liitch, in the presence of a record crowd. She is the heaviest hull launched from Vickers yard. Yet it was the most successful launching in the yard’s history. The moment Lord Inchcape’s daughter, Lady Janet Bailey, christened the vessel with a pottle of Australian Burgundy., the Strathnaver began to move. She took the water with a minimum of noise flijid fuss,- to the accompaniment of hearty cheers in honour of Vickers managing director and Cbiiimandcr Craven. The guests previously saw the company's workshop models. The first-class tourist cabins with which the Strathnavisr is being fitted, panelled with African walnut and English oak, make her certainly the last word in comfort and charm. Australians will have an opportunity of seeing her before the end of the year on her maiden voyage from London under her popular commander, Captain Ohlson, Vickers Ltd. gave a luncheon to a gathering of 100. Sir Herbert Lawrence presiding. He paid a tribute to Lord Inchcape’s vision and foresight in placing orders at this time of depression. Sir. Larkin said he was confident that Lord Inchcape’s courage would ultimately be rewarded because Australia’s recuper* ative powers were immense. The present depression was g, passing phase,