OIL-TANKER MYSTERIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 193, 4 November 1927, Page 9

OIL-TANKER MYSTERIES

RECEPTION ON THE PAUA

CIVIC LEADERS’ VISIT

The mysteries of an oil tanker were investigated by the Auckland civic leaders to-day at the invitation of the British Imperial Oil Company. The visit of inspection marked the first trip to Auckland of the Paua, which will distribute oil and petrol around the New- Zealand coast. After the visitors had been shown the interesting machinery and been duly impressed with the “safety-first” notices, a reception was held in the mess-room by the ship’s master, Captain Patterson, and Mr. J. G. Hirst, Auckland manager for the British Imperial Oil Company. The chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, congratulated the company on its initiative in giving the same facilities to every port for the landing of petrol by means of the phip. The company would see that every country district and small seaport received supplies, probably at a cheaper rate than before, and consequently the firm would be bearing the burden of the petrol-tax. The Paua was a very fine ship and a credit to the 8.1.0. PRACTICALLY FOOL-PROOF “It is just a few years since the oil business was started here,” he continued, “and I remember that members of the Harbour Board were concerned with the danger of tanks. We are satisfied now that an oil-tanker is safer than the ordinary passenger ship. She is practically fool-proof. We wish every success to the ship and to the company on its pioneer service.” The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, added his congratulations. He confessed that it was his first visit to an oil-tanker and he did not know much about it, but he was satisfied she was something out of the ordinary. It was true that there had been some uneasiness in the city about the safety of Ponsonby when oil tanks would be established, but the company had placed everything on a scientific basis. “As steamship owners we like to see progress,” said Mr. L. Carter, manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, “although when the oil was carried in boxes we used to do it.” The Paua represented progress of an industry and as public citizens, the ship-owners appreciated it. Captain Patterson thanked the speakers. It was 14 years since he joined the company, and he had always thought that some time a tanker would be on the coast. The Paua was the first British tanker flying the colonial flag and plying exclusively on the coast. Mr. Hirst said that he was pleased to see so much public interest in the company’s activities. Among the guests were Messrs. A. J. Entrican, J. Arneil, E. C. Huie, IT. B. Burnett, superintendent of the Harbour Board; D. Holderness, engineer to the board; A. Cerutty, manager of Huddart-Parker, Ltd.; Captain Hammond, manager of the Northern Steam Ship Company, and Captain Sargeant, Harbourmaster.