TRAWLER SOLD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 914, 6 March 1930, Page 20

TRAWLER SOLD

SIMPLON BOUGHT BY FISH, LTD. FORMER MUNICIPAL VESSEL The trawler Simplon, formerly owned by th-e Auckland Launch and Towboat Company, has been bought by Fish, Ltd., and will begin work on the fishing grounds some time during the week-end. The Simplon was built in Scotland for trawling purposes, the hull being of Norwegian iron. Later it was bought by the Auckland City Council, and gave service in bringing in hauls of fish for the municipal fisheries, the biggest haul being more than 1,000 baskets—about 50 tons. Afterward the vesesl was sold to the Auckland Launch and Towboat Company, and was used as a towboat, the insulated chamber being removed. The present sale to Fish, Ltd., was completed this week. The Simplon is 109 feet in length, with a 21-feet beam, and 10 feet 6 inches depth. She is 184 tons gross, and 69 tons nett. The engine is 75nominal h.p., and 350-indicator h.p. A crew of 10 is carried, and the vessel can do nine knots an hour. The new owners have installed an insulated chaYnber 17 feet by 16 feet by 10 feet, and put up all the necessary gear, including the gallows. Only minor repairs were found necessary. Fish, Ltd., has been in business since last November, and incorporates the former firm of Benson and Co. Mr. William Noton is chairman of directors, and the other members of the company are Messrs. Joseph Benson, James Benson, and George Tait. The new company was formed for the purpose of extending activities. Benson Bros, formerly had a leased steamer, the James C., which was found to be too small, not having the power to drag the heavy trawls at the necessary pace—about 4% knots.