REFITTING OF LIGHTHOUSE STEAMER DELAYED

Chronicle (Levin), 17 May 1947, Page 6

REFITTING OF LIGHTHOUSE STEAMER DELAYED

AUCKLAND, May 16. The Government lighthouse steamer Matai which was withdrawn from the service on December 12 for a surve.v and overhaul at the Devonport Isaval Base, is not likely to b recommissioned before August. It was ongmally hoped that the work would be completed by last month but the refit has been delave'd by more urgent calls for labour for the cruiser Bellona, the Government motor vessel Maui Pomare aua other' ships. The loss of the service^ of the Matai for eight months is i being felt, it is understood, by the Marine Department, wliich intends to send liei on at least one trip to Norfolk Island before returning her to her prewar duty of lighthouse tender. Although occasional ships are calling at Norfolk Island from Australia and United States, only one vessel, the Public Works Department's quxiliary schooner Tagua has been sent there from Auckland in recent months. A large quantity-of goods has accumulated among Auckland merchants who are anxious for the Matai to provide an oecasional link by sea with the island. Only small'amounts of freiglit are being cariied by the weeklv Royal New Zealand Air Force service which chiefly transports holiday visitors to Norfolk Island. One of the most important parts^of the Matai 's refit has been the replacement of her bow wliich was damaged in a collision with an American freighte. in the Pacilic during t'he'war.