M.V. Malaita

Comfort and Simplicity

A NEW standard in South Sea travel will be set by the Burns, Philp island motorship Malaita, when she sails on her maiden voyage to the Solomon Islands on January 20 (says the “Sydney Morning Herald”). Built by Barclay, Curie and Co., Ltd., Glasgow, she reached Sydney on January 2 from Middlebrough, which she left on October 25.

As the vessel moored at No. 10 wharf, Walsh Bay, her white hull attracted at tention, presenting a striking contrast with the black lines of the liner Marella, an older unit of Burns, Philp’s fleet, which was also in port. Those who inspected the vessel found an attractive simplicity com bined with a standard of comfort not hitherto seen in vessels trading to the islands of the Pacific.

The public rooms are large and well equipped, and the single and two berth cabins well furnished, well lighted, and airy. The punkah-louvre system of ven tilation has been installed throughout. The boat deck is spacious. Accommodation is provided for 101 saloon passengers.

Of 3310 tons gross, the Malaita is 312 feet in length, with a beam of 47 feet and a moulded depth of 23 feet 6 inches. Pro pulsion power is provided by a single-act ing Diesel engine of 2000 horse-power.

Cargo space is provided in five hatches served by 10 electric winches and 15 der ricks. A heavy-lift derrick with a capacity of 20 tons is also provided. The galley is fitted with oil-fired ovens and electric auxiliary equipment. On the navigating bridge the modern devices include an auto matic fire detector.

Captain G. E. Williams, master of the ship, said that she had behaved splendidly throughout the voyage, proving herself a good sea boat in bad weather and steady under all conditions. Mr. W. G. R. Snell grove, the company’s engineer, who super vised the vessel’s construction, travelled on the ship as a passenger, and expressed his satisfaction.