A NEW STEAMER

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1928, Page 3

A NEW STEAMER

TO REPLACE TUTANEKAI

WELLINGTON, September 17

After 32 years’ service to the New Zealand Government, the Tutanekai soon to he replaced by a larger and more up-to-dato vessel. Like the Hiuonioa, which was recently replaced by the now motor-ship, Maui Poinare, tlio Tutanekai lias an historical association with Now Zealand shipping. Built as a, combined .cable and lighthouse steamer, the Tutanekai made her maiden voyage to Now Zealand in 1890, in command of tlio late Captain •). Fairchild, with Mr ,1. E. Dawson, now harbourmaster at Wellington, ns chief officer. During tlio vessel’s long association with New Zealand she has had only three commanders, except during the brief intervals when they were being relieved for holidays. Captain C. E. Post took command in 1890 and retired in 1922, and was succeeded by tho present master, Captain J. Bollous.

For many years the Tutanekai was employed in the cable service, and she laid nearly all tho cables around the New Zealand coast. With the advent of the cable ,steamer Iris, the Tiitanekai was taken off the cnible service, and used for work in connection with the lighthouses. Tenders have been called for by the Marino Department for the building of a new lighthouse steamer, and these tenders will close on October 31st. The new vessel will bo larger and faster than the Tutanekai, and will have a cruiser stern. Two sets of triple expansion engines will drive the twin screws, and the boilers will bo fitted to burn cither coal or oil. Accommodation wll bo provided for a limited number of passengers, and the quarters of tlio ship’s company wll be given special'.attention. In addition, special accommodation lias (been provided for lighthouse-keepers and their families while on transfer. Tlio principal dimensions of the new steamer are: Length (between the perpendiculars) 210 ft, beam 33ft, mean loaded draught loft Gin. Those of the Tutanekai are: Length 205 ft., beam 30.1 ft, Slltons gross.