SPICK AND SPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1930, Page 2

SPICK AND SPAN

NORWEGIAN MOTOR SHIP

Sailormen ■ of 50 years ago would turn with envy in their graves, watery and otherwise, could they but picture the Norwegian motor vessel Dagfred, which arrived at Auckland last week. Specially built for the trade between the Pacific Coast and New Zealand and Australia, the Dagfred, which is on her maiden voyage, represents the last syllable in the building of modern cargo ships. A visit "to the Dagfred would be a revelation to the average Aucklander and a delight to the most fastidious housewife. From stem to stern she glistens with new paint, but even tlicn although this appeears spotless, there were sailors washing it over as the vessel lay alongside the Prince’s wharf this morning. All the passageways in the captain’s and officers’ quarters are covered with shining linoleum, ami the saloon and cabins are light, spacious and airy. On entering die cap tain’s cabin the visitor is struck with an impression of homely comfort. There is a thick carpet on the floor and idle furniture suite would not be out of place in any Auckland home. A brightly-coloured shade on the light over the captain’s desk seems to lend a feeling of cosiness. On the walls of the saloon there aie some excellent photographs of some of the finest scenery in Norway. One big print, four feet long and three deep, gives the Aucklander a vivid picture of the grandeur of Ransdalsliorn, one of Norway’s highest peaks.

GEM OF THE SHIP,

But the gem of the whole ship is flic owner’s cabin, which is likely to he used less than any other apartment on board. The whole of the panelling is in Norwegian birch, grown high up on the mountains, and the light coloured wood looks almost out of place on a cargo vessel. The two single beds are also made of same birch, and there are more fine

examples of the Norwegian photographer’s art on the walls. The genia] skipper of the Dagfre'd is Captain Thor N-eilsen, who learned his sea lore in the hard clays of sail, ft is 32 years since he shipped cm a Norwegian windjammer. He

was a master in sail for four years and then was for a number of years in command of various Norwegian steamers. Ho lias been with his present company for 20 years. With him on the Dagfred is a Norwegian crew of 32.

It is the opinion of Captain Noilsen that 'the days of the ocean-going steamers are numbered just as surely as were those of the sailing ships when the first coal burner was launched, and Cmtain Neilsen is a man who has commanded sailers, steamers and motor allies. Motor ships, he says, are slightly more expensive to build than steamers, but they are cheaper to run and can carry considerably more cargo, “Norwegian shipbuilders are almost all buildup motor ships, although there are still a few small coal burners under construction for trades where coal is cheap.” he said.

THE FIRST OF FOUR

Built at Akers Mechanical Works at Oslo, the Dagfred is the first ol' four vessels which will carry the Hag of John P. Pederson and Son in the company’s new trade. A twin screw motor ship, site is of 8100 tons deadweight, 385 ft long, and has a beam of s4fb Gin. .Everything is arranged for quick loading and discharge. There arc five hatches, served by ton electric winches, which are mounted on elevated platforms so that the winclimen may have an unobstructed view all round. There are also eight derricks of a lifting capacity of five ton/i and two of a lifting capacity of double that weight. The vessel’s main machinery consists of two sixcylinder single-acting Burmeister and Wain motors, each developing about 2000 horse-power, while there are three two-cylinder auxiliary motors of 120 horse-power each. All the deck machinery is run b.v electricity, and the ship is fitted with the most modern equipment known in the fields of electricity and wireless apparatus. The Dagfred was built in remarkably quick time, but it is obvious that the smallest job on 'board was done in the most conscientious way. The keel was laid on May 23 and the vessel was delivered from the works

of her builders on February 12, so that she came into existence in less than, nine months. On her trial trip the Dagfred attained a speed of 35* knots, although her normal speed is rather under this figure. The other ships that will maintain the new trade with the Dagfred are very similar to the vessel now in. port. Of these one has been named the Dagrtia, and another the Minerva. Until all four vessels are in commission the Brand, another Norwegian motor ship which has already visited Auckland, will run under time charter to the Pederson Company.

After her trials at Oslo, the Dagfred went in ballast to Vancouver to commence loading her present cargo. She filled up at Seattle, Portland, C’oos Bay, San Francisco and San Pedro, sailing finally on May G. A call was made at Noumea, New Caledonia. and from there the vessel came on to Auckland. The run from Noumea to port was made in three and a half days at an average speed of .11.8 knots—smart travelling for a cargo carrier. Average weather conditions prevailed throughout the voyage, so that she has yet to her storm baptism.