NEW LINER LAUNCHED

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 454, 11 June 1937, Page 5

NEW LINER LAUNCHED

LUXURIOUS ACCOMODATION P. AND 0. LINE PLANS EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME Four Millions To Be Spent Press Association —Copyright. Received June 11, 12.30 p.m. London, June 10. The Duchess of Buccleuch, in the presence of Lady Stratheden, launched perfectly at Vickers’ Ltd’s yard at Barrow In Furness the P. and O. Line’s 24,000 ton, 21 knot eight decked liner, the Stratheden. The new liner will have accommodation for 446 first class and 563 tourist passengers, in addition to two vice-Regal suites. All the first-class cabins are fitted with telephones. The maiden voyage will be in December. Vickers’ Ltd., entertained a large company at lunch, at which Hon. Alexander Shaw, chairman of the P. and O. Company, said that the P. and O. and Associated Lines would within a few weeks, have 100,000 tons of shipping under construction, at a cost of 4y millions. He hoped the company would soon be able to place two new ships on the Australian-Canadian route. He c®uld not say more, but “at least there's a good chance. The berth vacated to-day will be filled by a new ship) to keep the British flag flying: in the Pacific.”