THE ARAWA.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 299, 2 December 1936, Page 7

THE ARAWA.

A NEW LINER. Shaw, Savill Adds To Fleet. After a long and honourable service extending over 34 .years, the “lonic” has departed, and her place in the New Zealand service will be taken by a larger and completely modernised steamer which will be called at “Arawa,” thus resuscitating’ a name associated with the New Zealand Trade since 1883. The pioneer Shipping- Company' in the New Zealand Trade, the Shaw Savill and Albion Company, is concentrating on one class 'travel. This particular type of travelling is increasing in popularity in all parts of the world, and to meet the present-day requirements the “Arawa” is fitted out. as a tourist class vessel, cabin classs passengers being catered for by the “Akaroa,” “Tamaroa” and “Mataroa.” In the reconstruction of the “Arawa” ! the Shaw Savill and Albion line have spared no expense to make this vessel' the latest and most up-to-date of her type in the New Zealand service, and her coinmodation and appointments will be a revelation to overseas travellers. Sleeping accommodation has been arranged for 292 passengers, the major part of such accommodation consisting of one or two-berth rooms, but no cabin has been designed to accommodate more than four persons. The feature of certain cabins on A deck is that such, rooms have their own private bathroom, quite a new feature in this type of vessel. The cabins are roomy and spacious, hot. and cold running water systems having been installed in all rooms. Cabins have also 'be.eil( improved, wardrobes, bhest of drawers, and long mirrors having been fitted. Another important innovation is a gymnasium (situated on the boat deck), and here may be found stationary bicycles, rowing machines, electric vibrators and grips, and electric pummeller. Situated also on the boat deck is the smokingroom, but the main recreation rooms are situated on A deck, and consist of writing room, lounge, verandah cafe, which extends to the full width of the vessel. The dining room is on B deck and a children’s room is also in close proximity to the main dining room. The “Arawa” will leave Southampton on January 22, ariving at Wellington on February 27 to land passengers before proceeding to Lyttelton j and Bluff to discharge cargo. Her commander will be Captain T. V. Roberts, R.N.R., who is well-known in ! the Australian service as commander of the Largos Bay.