NEW CARGO SHIP FOR N.Z. TRADE

Chronicle (Levin), 10 January 1947, Page 6

NEW CARGO SHIP FOR N.Z. TRADE

AUCKLAND, .Tan. 9. Negotiations are being eonducted be tween the Union Steani Ship Co. and the United States Maritime Comniissipn for the purchase of a 5158-ton cargo - ship for the New Zealand trade. Capt. G. B. Morgan, D.S.O., D.S.O., master of the Monowai for two years during the war and commander of the Awatea when she was sunk in action during the North African iuvasion, arrived in Auckland today from Wellington and will leave for San Praucisco on the Marine Phoenix to take over the ship if the purchase is rnade. Sailing with him 011 the Marine Plioeni.x will be other ofiicers of the eompany, Mr. 1. L. Russell, chief ofticer, Mr. R. L. Sinitli, chief engineerp Mr. -H.-- Wareing, secoud engineer, and Mr. H. Why-te, chief steward. ' ' This vessel is under offer by the United States Maritime CQmmission and if the negotiations are completed it will be used in one of the eompany 's overseas trades, " said the manager of the eompany. It is uot known whelher it will bc used in the trans-Pacific run or in trade with the East. The ship for whicli the negotiations are at present being made is the Cape Igvuk, a motorship built at Beauniont, Texas, by Pennsylvania Shipyards Incorporated in 1943 for tlie United States War Shipping Administration. She is a welded vessel with an eeonomical speed of 14 knots. She has been operated for the Maritime Commission by the Graee Line She is one of Anierica's wartime CL-A class and Iras a deadweight tonnage of 7400 tons With three decks and a ernisef sttfrh Ihe vessel has a lengtli of 393ft., a Beani of 60ft. and a draught of 24-'9 fe'et. She lias two. oi! engines. It is believed the , new vessel will be renamed the Wairata if purchas'etl and will leave San Francisco for Auckland early in Deoember.