River rapids runner returns

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 4, 23 June 1987, Page 4

River rapids runner returns

It was indeed a festive and momentous occasion Saturday 13 June when a grand old lady of the Wanganui River - the MV Waireka - made her way down from Pipiriki to Wanganui on the first of what is hoped to be many trips. The MV Waireka was originally used on the reaches above Pipiriki as a passenger and stock carrier in the early part of this century. The vessel was one of a fleet of river-boats owned by Alexander Hatrick who operated 'Hatrick's Landing'

on the Ongarue River. It is one of a handful that are still in service. The MV Waireka was sold to private owners in the 1950's and was used for excursion trips for tourists from Wanganui to Hipango park. One of her more recent owners was Winston Oliver of Raetihi. Saturday's excursion by about 35 people marked the beginning of a new era for the boat and owner Vance Crozier is optimistic that the once-weekly leisure cruises will be well patronized. The Waireka is now part of the Holly Lodge Estate Winery tourist operation. The vessel was meticulous-

ly inspected for the first trip to ensure 'sea' worthiness. With a load capacity of 46 persons and a good keen engine that can speed the vessel through the water at a rate of 10 knots, the service is bound to be a success. The 16-metre long boat is ideally designed to cope with the more shallow reaches of the Wanganui river. Equipped with a propeller housed in the tunnel hull and a flat bottom it can easily negotiate shallow rapids. The Waireka made the inaugural trip on Saturday before last with a river level that is fairly low for

the time of year. However, Mr Crozier seemed disappointed that it was not lower. "It's a lot more exciting then," he said. Day trippers included Wanganui's Mayor Chas Poynter and Mrs Poynter. The company stopped for lunch at the historic Kawana Flour Mill, down river from Pipiriki, then enjoyed wining, dining and the warmth of a roaring fire upon their arrival at Holly Lodge Estate. To top off an idyllic if somewhat chilly day, passengers boarded the paddle boat for an evening cruise to see the city lights of Wanganui.