THE REMUERA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 6 December 1927, Page 9

THE REMUERA

ARRIVAL AT NAPIER LAST WORD IN OIL-BURNERS. A well-known but yet most interesting arrival to the Bort of Napier has been that of the Remuera, one of the fine vessels of the N'erV Zealand Shipping Company’s fleet. The Remuera. which is truly a palatial liner, represents the last word in accommodation. The great advances made for the provision of comfort to passengers is almost incredible On Saturday, a “Tribune” representative paid a visit of inspection, being most hospitably entertained to luncheon by the ship’s officers. The Remuera (11.383 tons), was built in 1911 by William Denny and Brothers at Dumbarton, being then a coal-burner. In 1925. she was con. verted into an oil-bnrner and now maintains a speed of 14 knots, DOWN BELUW. Ear below in the engine-room is a wonderful array of mechanism, all of which is spotlessly clean, scintillating and almost blinding reflections greeting the eye. A visit among the boilers proves the difference, from th© point of view of comfort, between oil and coal as a means of propulsion. The oil, after being purified, passes through an atomiser into a tiny jet. The heart of all tho wonderful mechanism is undoubtedly the burner, emitting flames several feet in length, and of tremendous heat. Special provision is taken against fire in this region. Any outbreak could be dealt with effectively m a few moments. Throughout the vessel the latest methods in electrically-controlled safety devices have been installed, watertight anfl fireproof doors being controlled either from the bridge or from the engine-room. ACCOMMODATION. An outstanding feature of this fine mail-steamer is her passenger accommodation, which is for 500 in all—7o first-class. 90 second-class, and 34U third-class. The saloon accommodation represents the last word n> comfort and luxury. During the Jtemuera’s last visit to England, a new boat-deck was constructed above the promenade deck. This work was carried out so expeditiously by some hundreds of workmen that the vessel was able to keep to her time-table It is only by an inspection that any idea can be obtained of such an -ic comphshment. The spacious staterooms on this new deck are said to bo equal to those on the best transAtlantic liners. There are a number of single-berth staterooms, while others contain two berths with which may be had. if desired, private bathrooms. By means of closing certain doors, it is possible to have a suit of three berths with a bathroom, which is a well-thought-out provision for families or parties of friends. In these, tho familiar bunks have been replaced bv modern cot-beds, fitted with Marshall spring mattresses. The comfort provided in these is equal to tho bels found in the leading hotels. Special rending lights are provided over each bed, a device being fitted so that they may be dimmed or bright. ened to suit the render. Fitted conveniently in the wnl! is n neatly designed folding shelf, which can be used either for morning ten or for the accommodation of books or magazines. For the benefit of !«dv passengers. nach stateroom besides being fitted with fine half-size mirrors has a full-length mirror so arranged that a front and back view can bo had at the one time. PRIVACY. The staterooms are spacious enough to permit of the uso of comfortable chairs, enabling a suite of rooms to be converted into private sittingrooms. Private bathrooms are almost too much to expect on board ship, but the Remuera has led the way. Most people travelling on vessels in the New Zealand trade have had to be satisfied with bathing in salt water, but on the Remuera sufficient water is carried to enable all bathing to be done in fresh water, which is certainly most welcome to passengers. In the saloon accommodation the usual port holes have been dispensed with, and sliding windows have been fitted, which, besides being more attractive, enable a greater current of air to enter the rooms. A surprising but most pleasing feature is the carpetting. All the staterooms, lounges, passageways and the second saloon accommodation have been laid with rich-coloured deep carpets, giving the rooms a homely touch. On the doors of al] staterooms is an unusual fitting which enables them to be left ajar in hot weather by about two inches, while yet securely locked. Admission cannot be gained even by stewards until a catch is released. ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES. In the lounge, passengers are pro vided with every possible comfort. A handsome panetrope machine has been installed, besides a radio loud speaker. Provision has also been made for radio concerts for the whole ship points being 6 o arranged that « concert could always bo given on the sheltered side of the ship. Tho smoke-rooms in each saloon ure lavishly furnished, being complete with every comfort. The Verandah Cafe, which is next to the saloon smoke-room, is most comfortable, being especially suited for the warmer climates. It is interesting to mention that a number of chrysanthemums in pots which were in bloom when leaving London are still in bloom, such blooms being quite out-of-season at Napier at this time of the year. Special attention has been given tn the second and third-clasii accommodation. there being a surprisingly Inrgp number of two-herth cabins in the latter having ample space. The outdoor life of the passengers is well catered for. the spacious deck* being ideal for sporting«purposes The ship possesses its own orchestra, which plays the latest dance music to those who rare to dance in the cool of the evening. A modern surgery is one of tb«» facilities while an. up-to-date hair, dresser’s saloon is also provided, wlmre every toilet requisite mav bo had. COWIgRARIAT. A look through the vessel’s com missariat wn® most interesting It somewhat resembled a large depart mental storf stocked with all sorts of wood thir is. The reporter’s attention was drawn t> a crcani'inakiug machine. It was

explained that to make four gailou.l of cream, albs, of dried milk, 191bs. of butter, and two gallons of water were used. After being htatea in tee churn to a temperatuiv or 140 degrees. it was put through an emulsifier, The reporter was informed that the cream was claimed to lie richei than that from the cow. while there was but little difference in the tasre. The Remuera is undauntedly one of the most up-to-date vessels in the New Zealand shipping trade to-day. Examination of this vessel instantly dispels the dread of sea voyaging, and brings to mind the hardships of our pioneering settlers' in their wearying journeys to New Zealand long ago n sailing vessels wherein comfort was quite unknown PERSONNEL. Commander J. J Cameron, R.X.R.. has associated with him as chief officer Mr. C. R. Pilcher second officer Mr. D. Hughes, third officer Mr. 11. R. Smith, and fourth officer Mr. R C. Aldridge, surgeon Dr F. W. Page, chief steward Mr P. S. Bowen, and chief engineer Mr. W. R. Sneddon. Tho Remuera departs from Auckland on Saturday for Home, leaving London again on the return voyage some time in February. She will again visit Napier on that trip.