The p.s. Wakatere.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8613, 17 December 1896, Page 2

The p.s. Wakatere.

■ ■» This now steamer belonging \ to -, the Northern s.s. Company, and bailt expressly for the Auckland-Thames trade, made her maiden trip tc the Thames yesterday. An . excursion was advertised, the fare being - fixed at five shillings return, and the vessel was atranged to lea re Auckland at U a.m.. returning about 8 p.m., that is berthing at' the Queen-street wharf at that time. The boat got away at about 11.25 with about 500 passengers, and steaming easily she arrived off the Goods' Wharf at 2.35. She anchored quite half a, mile off (the tide not being high until nearly 4 o'clookl, and the p s, Patiki was called into requisition to * take the passengers ashore. The first load was loaded at 3.15, and another'load was landed forty minutes later: On. the return trips of the tender s several Thames people went out to the new vessel, some of whom went to Auckland with her. A cursory look round confirms the pression already received that she is a very fine boat. Undoubtedly the largest'and most comfortable that has ever come to our port we (in common with those who. had a look round) cannot but hope that she will be placed permanently on the line, al. though we " are somewhat afraid that, until the" wharf extension is, carried out, she" will not be entirely adapted' to the exigencies of the harbour, Being over two hundred feet long, -it can be; imagined that berthage accommodation be.' conies under present arrangements a matter of serious moment, but against her length we have her light draught, and it may that difficulties that appear now will bo surmountable, a consummation devoutly to bo hoped for, as there is ntf doubt that the' TVhakatere is a distinct gain in our connec ' , tion with the city. "• First and most important is her-speed, ; • three hours between the two ports is far better than four hours and a half, and then, added to that we have increased comfort. The berthage accommodation is distinctly good the ladies'and gentlemen's cabinsareexceedingly convenient, while the social hall, with its lounges, piano, etc., is the very - acme of comfort and elegance. The dining hall is also splendidly fitted up, and in fact on every side thcie is evidence that the new vessel is quite up to date, even the fore cabin accommodation bearing a luxurious ' appearance. A tull description has already appeared; it is therefore useless again going into detail, and it sutPces now to say that we, with the Thames people in general, are satisfied the Northern Steamship' Company . , have given us a good boat, and we only hope she will be place! permanently in the,,, trade for which she was 1 built. " . A start was made fir Auckland soon after , five o'clock, and it was expected the vessel, would berth at the Queen-street wharf by--8.30.