MOTOR-VESSEL TIROA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 277, 23 November 1943, Page 4

MOTOR-VESSEL TIROA

FIRST VISIT TO PATEA (0.C.) Palea, Nov, 23. Makins her first visit to Patea, the coastal motor-ship Tiroa, originally owned by the Gisborne Sheepfarmers’ Association and almost rebuilt at Auckland, attracted a great deal of interest when she arrived recently. For a number of years the vessel traded regularly between Auckland and Gisborne, but was later acquired bv the South Taranaki Shipping Company and converted from steam to Diesel engines. This work, and also the task of renovating the ship and adapting her for her new trade, was carried out by Auckland Shipbuilders. Ltd. Qf 220 tons burden, the Tiroa is equipped with a 240 h.p. Fairbanks Morse Diesel engine of the latest high pressure type and is capable of doing 10 knots in fair weather. She can carry more than 2000 crates of cheese with a draft of a few inches over Bft., enabling her to leave or enter port on almost any tide. A visit to the vessel shortly after she entered port showed that no expense had been spared to make the crew comfortable. The Tiroa carries a crew of nine under Captain McLachlan, one of the best known skippers on the coast, who has worked in the Patea port for many years. The chief officer is Mr. Jackson and the chief engineer is Mr. Luke. An invitation was extended by the company to Patea businessmen to visit the vessel on her entering port. A large number availed themselves of Ihe invitation and were entertained' at afternoon tea.