RECORD PASSAGE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1039, 1 August 1930, Page 10

RECORD PASSAGE

FAST TRIP FROM SAN FRANCISCO MIRRABOOKA ARRIVES What is probably a record ran for a cargo ship was accomplished by the new Swedish motor-vemel. Mirrabooka, which arrived at Auckland last night from Sae Francisco via Niue Island. The trip occupied 19 days. Her sweeping grey line* and equal funnel are not only distinctive bat Indicative of great speed. The impression gained from the exterior is more than realised upon viewing the interior, which is the acme of comfort and something entirely new in a cargo service. The comforts of all concerned have been attended to with assiduity by the builders of the vessel.

The Mirrabooka left San Francis' on July 12 for Auckland. Tho fact that she was compelled to call it Niue Island to load copra and bananas, and also encountered bad weather

after leaving Niue, delayed her tea days. As It is, investigation has failed to reveal any cargo boat that has accomplished the trip in anythin: approaching that time. .She maintained an average speed of 14i knots NEW CARGO SERVICE The Mirrabooka’s arrival marks tha inauguration of a contemplated ne*’ cargo service between the Pad*: Coast and New Zealand. She is beta* operated, by the General Steamship Corporation of San Francisco, which concern already runs a cargo service between the Pacific Coast and Australia with vessels of the line to which the Mirrabooka belongs—tha Swedish

Rederiaktied trans-Pacific Line. It is proposed to send these vessels to Ne* Zealand ports while en route to Australia, as in the case of the Mirrabook a. The Mirrabooka loaded general cargo at Los Angeles and San Frsscisco for discharge at Auckland, Wellington, Bluff. Sydney and Melbourne, and is to sail tomorrow for "Wellim:' ton. . The next ship to run in the service will be the Mirrabeoka’s sisterahti', the Parrakoola, which is scheduled to load at the same ports and to clear San Francisco on August 23, call at Niue Island for fruit on September 2. and reach Auckland on September 9. Spedding. Ltd., is the New Zealand representative of the General Steamship Corporation. The Mirrabooka is a steel twin-sere* vessel of 5,979 tons gross register. She was built at Gothenburg in 1925. The ship, although mainly for carga is capable of carrying 21 passengers The accommodation for the passengers is equal, aud in some casr superior, to many an ocean-gom? liner. Each cabin has two beds, elf' trie light, writing table and wardrobe there is also a bathroom attached The lounges are furnished taste full! and there is a library, music room, and deck space for dancing while oa the voyage. There is also a dectennis court and swimming pool wiuca are mostly used while in the tropic: The quarters provided for the members of the crew are well In keepir l ' with the rest of the ship. Each cab. i accommodates two men and is spe< ► ally heated. The bathrooms arelart' and spacious, aud there are ® ev

rooms for the crew. The hatches are unusually large spare fitted with clamps to facllita removal. This is an innovation •> cargo boats. The derricks are tiV' with topping blocks which effectual, provide against slipping coils-