..OUR.. ILLUSTRATIONS

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIX, Issue 13, 28 September 1907, Page 25

..OUR.. ILLUSTRATIONS

NEW CRUISING LAUNCH. The launching of the new cruising launch Matareka, built by Messrs Logan Bros., to the order of Mr W. S. Whitley, commodore of the New Zealand Power Boat Association, took place ou Sept. 19th, in the presence of a few friends of the owner. ’Beyond the breaking of a bottle of champagne on the bows of the vessel as she glided down the ways, the launching was unattended with, ceremony, but on Saturday afternoon last a large party of friends were the guests of the commodore, and were taken for a short cruise. The christening ceremony was performed by a little grandchild of the owner, amid cheers from tlie onlookers. As soon as the vessel entered the water her engines were started, and she made a short run up the harbour. The smart appearance of the boat, which is rigged with two pole masts, was favourably commented on. The launch is 40ft long, with a beam of 9ft, and a draught of 3ft. She is of the torpedo-stern type, and the cabin is raised very little above the deck, a fact which adds to the symmetrical appearance of the vessel. A roomy cock pit gives access to a neatly arranged cabin 10ft long, and the width of the hull. The panel ling is picked out in mauve, grey, and gold, and the upholstering is of moquette, this latter being the work of Messrs Winks and Hall. The next compartment is the engineroom, and another cabin is situated in the bows, with suitable upholstering in moroccoline. All the rooms are well ventilated, there being a large number of port holos, and two skylights. The vessel is fitted with eight 16 candle power electric lamps. The motive power Is derived from a 25 h.p. Union engiuv, specially imported by Messis W. A. Ryan and Co. It is a three -cylinder engine, with cross bilge pumps and wi.ter circulating pumps. The controlling mechanism is n feature in itself, and shows a marked advance over edrlier models. The engine feetier is SOgal. oil tank, behind a bulkhead forward. The vessel has a patent steering gear, and in the event of a break down a tiller can be brought into requisition without delay. A suit of sails, consisting of S* jib and two larger sheets, are also carried on the launch, mid may be used in conjunction or independently of the engines.