FOR THE BAY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1220, 31 August 1911, Page 6

FOR THE BAY.

AWAROA'S FIRST OFFICIAL TRIP. LUNCHEON ON BOABD. Amidst tho utmost enthusiasm, the Wellington Ferry Company's new harbour etcanitr Awaroa mado her first official run under her new flag. Captain Watehlin was on the bridge, and there were on board about 70 gentlemen, representative of the mercantile community, who were the guests of the Ferry Company. The vessel left tho Ferry Wharf at 1.15 p.m., and returned about J p.m., after an enjoyable cruise in the harbour. Tho day was one to test the sea-going qualities of the latest addition to the harbour ferry fleet, for a stiff nor'-wester, which thrashed the spume into driving spray, had raised a nasty choppy sea. Tho Awaroa proved herself to bo a most comfortable boat in rough weather, and those on board had nothing but praise for the vessel's performance. Among the guests on board were:—Messrs. I{. Fletcher (chairman Wellington Harbour Board), H. C. Tewsley (chairman Chamber of Commerce), Geo. Allport (Secretary to Marino Department), C. W. Jones (Huddart-Par-ker and Co.), J. P. Luke, M.P., A. E. Mabin and E. G. F. Zohrab (Wellington Harbour Ferries, Ltd.), J. G. Hark'ne.'s (National Dairy Association), Captain G. G. Smith (Superintendent of Mercantile Marine), Captain Johnston (harbourmaster), R. Duncan (chief inspector of machinery), and Captain Stolt (Union S.S. Company). While on the water, the guests were entertained at luncheon by the directors of tho company, the proceedings being marked by cordial expressions of good will, and'success to the company in its new venture.

Mr. H. C. Tewsley proposed the toast of the Wellington Harbour Ferries Co., and in the course of a felicitous address, eulogised the company's enterprise, and wished it prosperity in its future endeavours. _R«pqn(lins to the toast Mr. A. E. Mn--0111 suitably acknowledged the compliments which had been accorded the company, and in the course of his remarks made the interesting announcement that there was every prospect of the inauguration, during the summer season, of weekend excursions to the sounds (Applause.) The toast of the Wellington Harbour Board was proposed by Mr. J. P. Luke, M.P. Ucferriiij; to the question of the Wellington dock, the speaker said that until a suitable dock was an accomplished fact the port could only be considered to occupy a secondary place by comparison with such ports as Auckland and Lyltclton. He hoped that this indispensable accessory to any well-equipped and up-to-date port would not be lost sijht of, and that it would be part of the board's policy to see that ultimately ample docking accommodation was provided at Evans Bay. It was a matter for regret, he ailded, that the Harbour Board had allowed the opportunity of gaining possession of the Patent Slip to pass.

Replying to (he toast, Mr. E. Fletcher remarked that the board had been very well advised to drop tho Clyde Quay scheme when it did. He had no doubt that "Wellington would require to make suitable provision for a dock in the future, but at present such an undertaking would bo an extravagance. LyttcHon and Auckland were paying very dearly for .their djeks. lie agreed with Mr. Luke that thu natural site for the Wellington dock was in Evans Bay.

The toast of the Mercantile Marine was proposed by Mr. J. G. Harkness, who alluded to the tremendous impetus which the development of the British Mercantile Marine had. given to tho general prosperity and commercial greatness of the Empire. On his recent trip Home, ho had been greatly struck by the wonderful progress which had taken place in the improvement of transit and the facilities, conveniences and comforts of modern conditions of travel. Captains Smith and Johnston briefly responded to the toast. Mr. Short, Mayor of Eastbourne, in proposing the toast of "The Directors of the Ferry Company," coupled with Ihe name of Mr. Zohrab, remarked that since the advent of tho Awaroa he had notice? an increased demand for houses in Kiistbonrne—a circumstance which he attributed to the anticipation of lovers of tho seaside thtit tho new ferry service would amply satisfy requirements of residents across the water. With such a boat as the Awaroa, ho said, no man would complain.

Mr. Zohnib, in tho course of his reply, made a passing reference t*- the qnosrjpn of the wharves problem. The position in the past had been that when people wanted a wharf built they agitated till the Harbour Board conceded. . Then tho latter came on tho companies for shippin? dues.

The toast of "Tho Marine Department" was proposed by Mr. C. W. Tones, and responded to by Messrs. Allport and Duncan.

On the return to the wharf—the Awaroa, by the way proved her speed qualities by accomplishing a comfortable 12knot run down the harbour—cheers were given for the Ferry Company, the directors, the Awaroa, and the sldpper, the last-named acknowledging the compliment with three toots on the steamer's whistle.

Tho Awaroa commences running to Day's Bay this morning.