A LAUNCHING

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1931, Page 5

A LAUNCHING

OF MONSTER LEVIATHAN. THE NEW STRATHNAVER. [United Press Association.—By Electric leleg r a-pb..—Copy r ight. J (Received this day at 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, February 5. Towering majestically and glittering white, between the skeletons of her sister ship, Strathaid, and the Union Company’s Rangitira. the Peninsular and Orientals biggest twenty-two thousand tonuer Strathnaver was launched aL Barrow-in-Furness at mid-day, without a hitch, in the presence 01 a record crowd. She is the heaviest hull launched from Vickers, yet it was the most successful. in history. The moment Lord lnchcape’s daughter, Lady Janet Bail r ev christened the vessel with a bottle of Australian burgundy, the Strathnaver began to move and took the water with a minimum of noise and fuss, to the accompaniment of hearty cheers for Vickers managing directors. Commander Craven and guests previously saw the company’s workshops models of first-class tourist cabins with which the Strathnaven is being fitted, respectively with African walnut and English oak. It is certainly the last word in comfort and charm. Australians will have nn opportunity of seeing her at the end of the year on her maiden voyage from London, under the popular command of Commander Ohlson.

V ickers gave n luncheon to a gathering of one hundred. Sir Herbert Lawrence, presiding, paid a tribute to Lord Jnchoape’s vision and foresight in placing orders Iri this time of depression.

Larkin replying, said he was confident Lord inchcape’s courage would ultimately be rewarded, because Australian recuperative powers were immense. The present depression was a passing phase and emergence would be encouraged by further manifestation of faith, similar to Lord Inchcape.