SCHOONER LAUNCHED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 562, 15 January 1929, Page 14

SCHOONER LAUNCHED

HOKIANGA GOES AFLOAT REPLACING WRECKED VESSEL The launching of the new auxiliary schooner Hokianga, which has just been completed at Mr. G. Niccol’s yard, Freeman’s Bay, for A. G. Frankham, Ltd., was carried out at 10 o’clock this morning. The ceremony was performed by Mrs. A. G. Frankham, who broke the customary bottle of champagne over the vessel’s bows. r launching ceremony could not -A- have been more satisfactory. Immediately the retaining chocks were knocked from under the cradle the massive vessel slid quietly down the run into the harbour. Several friends of the owners and builders witnessed the operation. The Hokianga has been built to replace the Isabella de Frame, which capsized on the Hokianga bar on July 14 last and foundered with her crew of eight, all of whom were drowned. In order to withstand the buffetings of the heavy seas frequently met with on the West Coast, the Hokianga has been constructed particularly stoutly. The twin screws will be driven by two 100 h.p. Fairbanks-Morse full Diesel engines, which wil make her the largest-powered craft of her size and class in New Zealand. The carrying capacity is about 250 tons, and the dimensions are: Length, 97ft.; beam, 25ft.; draught, Bft. The cargo will be loaded by means of two Fairbanks-Morse oil winches, and electric light is fitted throughout. The only work now to be done is the fitting of two masts, and the setting up of the rigging. It is expected the Hokianga will be in commisison about the middle of January.