ARRIVAL AT THAMES.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8613, 17 December 1896, Page 1

ARRIVAL AT THAMES.

The Wakatere completed her maiden - trip at about 2.35 o'clock yesterday , afternoon, at .which hour she arrived ' abreast of the wharf. Off Tararu . • she diverted considerably, from her course, thus losing a considerable amount of time, but the reason of the delay is not known. Taking' the highest estimate, the Wakatere accomplished tho voyage, in hours, and ( , for hor speed alone she is a valuable acquisition to the Thames-Auckland trade. The p.s.Patiki acted as tender, "', and the first load "of passengers was \' landed at 3.15. The new steamer, as ', viewed from tho wharf, presented a fine appearance, and the, general \\ opinion is that she will realise .' expectations. On the present' trip - she carried about 700 passengers, in- v eluding a number of excursionists from '' Auckland. The latter, however, had J very little time on shore, as tho Wakatere was advertised to leave " again for Auckland at 4 o'clock, al-. though it was near 5 before she actually departed. Passengers by \ the steamer foiind her to bo most '-' spacious and comfortable, and there can be little doubt that if there had been no delay she would have' . completed the voyage in 3 hours, i The wind between here and the ' - Sandspit was favorable. A ■ good many people., assembled on the wharf to witness the arrival, and a | number went off in the tender to in- s spect the new boat, which niade no effort to borth at the wharf.