A UNIQUE VESSEL.

Taihape Daily Times, 20 August 1919, Page 6

A UNIQUE VESSEL.

SIX MASTED BARQUENTINE. ON A PROFITABLE MISSION. The berthing ofthe six—masted bar.qnentine E_ R. Stirling at the Central wharf Aucliland, aroused more than usual interest, for the vessel is probably one of the largest of her class afloat. Launched from the stocks of Messrs Harland and Wolff, Belfast, in 1883, she has had a long career, during which her -appellation has been changed on three occasions. She was baptised the Lord Woseley, later changed to Everett Griggs, while she now bears the name of her owner, E. lE?. Stirling. The latter purchased her ‘some nine 3?eEtrS ago, and she has since been employed in regular service between -San Francisco, Australia and South Arherica with general cargo and lumber. The vessel loaded a cargo

of over 4000 tons of coal at Newcastle after discharging her last general cargo at Sydney, and sailed for Auckland on July 25. and 3.CfCo]lll)liShGd the trip across the Tasman in 25 days. The barqucntine is over 300 ft long, and has a lumber capacity of two and a—half million feet and a dead-weight capacity of 4300 tons. Captain R. M. Stirling, the son of the owner, is in charge, and has his craft fitted out Qvith every convenience There is a [luxurious saloon, While the vesse].’s

own wireless installation keeps her in’ touch with the outside world when at sea. Safely stowed away forvuse ml ports is the owner’s m<.{ol' car, whieh_ must surely haVe some record for Inile—‘ age_ The latest exploit of the E. R. Stir]-‘ ing rather disproves the prevailing opinion of the day that vessels of this} class are obsolete, for it is understood‘ ithat on her present trip she has cleared £BOOO in freight for her Owner, at the rate of about £2 per ton. With all sails set it is estimated that the large ship carries about 5000 square feet of canvas, which, judging from the photographs showing her thus rigged, makes a most unique sight.