NEW WESTRALIA

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1929, Page 2

NEW WESTRALIA

LUXURIOUS MOTORSHIP. FOR THE HUDDART-PARKER SERVICES. MAY REPLACE ULIMAROA. Although no official announcement has been made, it is quite probable that the Huddart Parker Company’s new motorship Westralia, which arrived at Sydney recently on her maiden voyage, will shortly replace the Ulimaroa in the intercolonial service. For the present, however, she has been placed in the Sydney-Freemantle service.

Built by Messrs HarTnnd and Wolff at their Govan yards, the Westralia is 430 ft long B.P. with a moulded breadth of 60ft and a depth of 33>ft 6in, while Ijer tonnage is 9240 tons, Avhich is approximately 1000 tons larger than the Makura. Designed on graceful lines, with a cruiser stern, and fitted with two sots of Harland, Burmeister, and Wain single acting eight-cylinder Diesel engines, working on the four-stroke cycle, she attained a speed of 16-1 knots on her trials. The journey from Glasgow to Melbourne, via Aden, where fuel oil was taken in, was made in 704 steaming hours at an average speed o f 15.73 knots, which the Australian papers claimed as a record voynge. The cargo handling appliances are of the most up-to-date design, the five hatches being provided with derricks operated by electric winches, the windlass, steering-gear, watertight doors, refrigerating machinery and ventilating fans being also electrically driven. The galleys, pantries, bakeries, etc., are also equipped with electric laboursaving devices, including a two, three, or four-minute egg boiler which ejects the eggs when cooked. Electric current is supplied by three 200 k.w. generators, driven by Harland, Burmeister and Wain Diesel engines, which are fitted with extra large compressors to supply air for manoeuvring purposes.

LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION. Spacious and luxurious saloon passenger accommodation for 360 saloon passengers covers four decks, while 90 third class passengers are carried forward. All the public rooms of the ralia are designed with charming schemes of decoration, and lighting effects are obtained by the artistic use olf concealed electric lights and tinted lampshades. •

'The dining saloon is a handsome apartment, decorated in the Adam style. The soft biscuit tones of the panelled walls, with their enrichments and pale green draperies, give it a note of dignity and refinement. The large barrel dome causes this room to have an appearance of great height, and will be much appreciated in hot climates.

Comfortable mahogany armchairs, with upholstered seats covered in sage green moquette, small dining tables, a handsome buffet, sideboard, dumb waiters, decorative Avail mirrors in enriched frames, columns and pilasters, panelled Ruboleum floor, decorated service doors,'and a fine Avide staircase at the aft end all convey the idea of a de luxe restaurant.

The lounge is situated at the fonvard end of the promenade deck, and is a spacious room, decorated in Georgian style—walls panelled, enriched and relieved Avith semi-elliptical pilasters, the ceiling df fibrous plaster in large panels, a fine dome surmounted by metal and glass lay-light, behind Avhich electric flood lights are concealed. This colour scheme is a delicate tone of green, Avith draperies of printed silk repp to harmonise Avith the Avails.

The main staircase at the aft end, with its Avrought iron balustrade and fine oil paintings, has a dome treatment of modelled plaster, behind Avhich indirect lighting is .used to advantage. The furniture of the lounge is luxurious. Large upholstered settees and easy chairs covered in a variety of choice fabrics, mahogany armchairs, card tables, coffee stools, etc., a grand Broadwood piano, radio concert installation and electric fittings all combine to make this a delightful room. The library and writing room adjoin the lounge, and ’a similar decorative scheme has been adopted. An 18th century fireplnce with old hob grate contains an electric fire. On the opposite side of the room are large mahogany bookcases, double Avriting tables, large settees and easy chairs. The floor is covered Avith Wilton carpet.

Further aft on the promenade deck is the smoking room, a spacious apartment designed in the style of the late Stuart period, with walls covered with large panels of figured oak. The fireplace has an electric log grate and brick interior. Above this there is a beautiful Fantin Latour flower painting.

The decorative scheme of the staircase and entrance halls is classical. Large flush panels painted in light biscuit tones, marbled columns with gilt enrichments, a fine painting, panelled Ruboleum floors, and a handsome open staircase of mahogany and wrought iron all produce an effect of great beauty. The pursuer’s office, enclosed by a fine metal grille, is the centre of the forward elevation. From this entrance, access is obtained to the smoking room and verandah cafe, where again the decoration is artistic and comfortable.

PRIVATE SUITES. Two private suites, each with a bathroom and large sitting room attached, are situatod on the promenade.

deck. The sitting room Avails ale panelled in dainty polished AA'oods of unusual varieties, and a specially designed Avriting desk, sideboard, settee and table, with portable top for dining or card playing, are fitted. Wall brackets and ceiling lights supply the lighting, Avliile the boxing out of the port side panelling alloAvs the incorporation of a dainty fireplace Avith gilt mirror above. „

In honour of the new ship, Messrs Huddart Parker, Limited, held as afternoon tea on board at Sydney to which representatives of all the shipping companies were invited. Captain Bates, Mr T. ,T. Parker, Sydney manager of the line, and Mr Robins, assistant manager, acting as hosts. Also present were Mr W. R. Blow of the New Zealand Government office in Sydney, Mr T. J. Connelly, Government agent for Tasmania, Sir G. Mason Allard and Lady Allard, Mr -T. Garlick, chief city commissioner. Mr AY. Foulkes, chief steward of the Westralia, was in charge of the saloon, assisted by Mr F. Bowditch of the Ulimaroa.