THE STAR OF UPLAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1918, Page 3

THE STAR OF UPLAND.

What is described as the largest and most up-t-datc sailing vessel to vsiit New Zealand is the American four master barque Star of Lapland, wliicn arrived at Auckland from San Francisco a week ago. She is stated to he one of the largest American sailing vesseis afloat. Tile Star of Lapland which belongs to the Alaska Packers’ Association, was formerly owned by the Vacuum Oil Company. She was then known as the Atlas. She is 322.4 ft. long 45.5 ft. beam, and has a depth of 26ft. She carries a crew of 36 all told, comprising the commander. Captain C. Petltersen; Chief Officer Mr H. Jensen; second officer, Mr r. C. Anderson, two boatswains, wireless operator, carpenter, cook, two stewards 16 A.B.’s and 10 cadets. The cadets arc put on' board by the American Shipping Board to be trained to become officers of the American mercantile marine. On their return to the United States they will be required to pass an exam for third officer, and will then act as junior officers on American ships. She is provided with a wireless installation powerful enough to send messages a distance of 1600 miles and to receive messages from a distance of 3000 miles. The Star of Lapland is fitted thoughout with electric light, supplied from a dynamo driven by anoil engine. Steam power for lifting the anchor or .driving the winches is supplied by a donkey engine amidships. Tho crew are quartered in the half dock in tho middle of the ship where arc also the dynamo and galley. Tile master and officers are quartered in th t . after-end under the poop. Here the vessel is fitted out in a style practically [unknown hitherto In sailing vessels. The captain has a suite- of rooms consisting of a large sitting-room, bed-room and bathroom, the two latter being fitted with electric light and up-to-date fittings including hot- and cold water He has also other accommodation in the chart-room on the poop, where he can sleep when lie has to he handy in rough weather or on nearing land. The Star of Lapland is usually employed running between San Francisco and Alaska where the Packers’ Association factories are situated. Her usual cargoes northward consist of 4000 tons "of doal and goods, and the return freight 360,000 cases of salmon. The acute shortage of shipping however, led to her being chartered for a transpacific voyage.