A MODERN NOTE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 110, 11 May 1936, Page 6

A MODERN NOTE

AWATEA’S DECORATIONS HARMONY ACHIEVED NEW INTERCOLONIAL LINER. The modern note which is introduced throughout the public rooms of the new Union Company luxury liner Awatea, launched recently at Barrow-in-Fur-ness, England, is restrained in character, rich without pretension, and in every way suitable to the amenities of a highpowered passenger liner. Th< panelling is in plywood faced with beautifully figured veneers, many of which arc of Empire origin, Fevcral being indigenous tu the Southern I! cmisphere. I The walls uf the first-class dining saloon arc panelled in Nigerian cherryI wood, isapcli, and rosewood, relief being obtained by horizontal mouldings finished in vcrmillion and by metalwork of rustless steel. The lighting is of particular interest. This has a beginning in the enclosure of the port lights with glazed metalwork screens skilfully flood-lighted. Then, cc-ntinu-ous bands of overhead lighting give greater emphasis to the length of the | sajoon. These are gradually stejiped I towards the ventre w here a large well opens up to the raised roc-f, from the middle of which a continuous fitting of magnificent proportions gives brilliant illumination. The sides of the raised rout' are covered with plate mirror glass, and the repetition of reflections -hows an effect which is both decorative and interesting. Metalwork balustrades form the front of the orchestral 'gallery at the forward end, also to the [aft end. in way of the entrance hall on A deck. The. floor is covered in rubber of simple and attractive designs, in ivolours wh ch harmonise with the general scheme. Comfortable armchairs, an adequate number of dumb waiters land sideboards—ensuring excellent service —and appointments selected with discriminations, all combine to coniI'lete this most up-to-date luxurious • •restaurant. A staircase and lift, all 1 panelled in Sapelo mahogany, lead up | through A deck to the promenade deck, '■a which Ihe pub'ic rooms are situated. Symbolical Panels. The chitT of these, the lounge, is panelled in figured ash relieved with walnut, the general appearance is o' lightness and gaiety. A striking fen lure of the central portion of the room is the large lacquered panels which form a sliding cover to the permanent cinema screen. The scene depicted on the pane s is symbolical of the Ocean and its discovery, and is beautifully worked in gold, silver, and colour, mi a background of soft greyish green. I‘his gives the keynote tu the colour decoration and the furnishings are in sympathy. The floor is laid in rubber of simple design, having in addition, a large square of hardwood parquetry to I the centre, to be used as a dance floor. The lounge is complete in everv way in accordance with its character .and purpose. Passing forward frum the lounge through the entrance hall, with its staircase, panelled in Australian walnut. giving access to the fore-most part of the ship, h delightful glimpse is caught of the screened annexe which forms a small writing-room and the ship’s library. Fitment writing desks and bookcases in sycamore and Zebrano make the mc-st of the space available and the lighting is by a most ingenious and novel arrangement. Metal troughs are suspended from the centre of three flat coverings running across the ceilwig and down the sides, and gives an even distribution of light over the whole room -and making this space a Icaturc of the entrance. Figured Woodwork. I ib’ music-room is of severely simple i ‘ "ign, elegant by means of the novel i plan, ami the wealth of pattern shown in the English sycamore veneer of the panelling i- of an exceedingly rich and rare figure. The case of the grand j'iano i> -emi ( ircular in shape. There are lad casement and French windows which open out »»n to the o>Hcrvation • leek, nn enclosed spave simply decorated in attractive colour. Afl to the end of the first '-lass pro mcnade another deck space forms a verandah ami open air dancing space. Ihe wal s are treated in colour relieved by surrounds tu the windows and doorways uf teak, and by t’ne decorative panel.- on the aftermost bulkhead portraying in a vivid and vital manner •‘Dancing Through the Ages.” Wide folding glazed screens give access forward to the smoking- !'• yi. This latter is a very common room, qu.te distirn’t from the accepte*! idea, it becomes common to all, and with thi.-. in view the unusual character i.- understood. Panelling in Australian maple of beautiful colour and figure, are features in the way of the cocktail liar ami the fireplace, which is introduced perhaps, as a concession to the smokeroom idea, and give focal points of interest. The <’77sement windows arc screened wish ob.-'-ured sliding glass panels. • a’id!»i:..-.ted with designs in a?< tract ornament. The lighting combines the best features of concealed and >cjni-dire’t methods, and in conjunction with the brilliantly coloured coverings of the furniture, gives a most cheerful and spirited air to the room. Clubrooms arc provided for men and women forward of the smoking room. One is attractively panelled in East Indian satinwood, and the other in English brown oak. Showcases in entrance halls ad'l tc«- the general interest and are arranged in good positions for the display of novelties of all kinds which are likely to appeal to passages. In the tourist public rooms figured veneers are used—Burma mahogany, Canadian maple, and English brown oak are typical. Furniture and furnishings are in keeping, and the-v equal I the comfort ami luxury of the larger In the first cabins there are 1t double berths ami 11 single bejLA special cabins, each being , anelled in a different combination of beautiful veneers, ranging from the delicate colours of maple, sycamore, and satinvvcod, to the richesr tones of cherrywood, walnut and mahogany. Each room is furnished in harmony.