Islands

New Vessel for Lau Islands

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, April 23.

AT the workshops of the Public Works Department there has been built a fine new vessel for service in the Lau Group. It will be chiefly used by the Dis trict Commissioner (Ratu J. L. V. Suk una) for travelling about his scattered island territory.

The new boat might well be called an Empire ship—the hull is of New Zealand kauri, the decks, masts, and spars of Canadian oregon, the keelson of Austra lian spotted gum, and the knees and stem pieces of Fijian dilo. The engine and all fittings have been manufactured in the United Kingdom.

The vessel, which was designed by the Director of Public Works (Mr, W. Wise), assisted by Mr. Alex. Bentley, of the Pub lic Works Department, is 57 ft. in overall length. She has a beam of 13 i ft., and a moulded depth of 9J ft. The vessel is powered with a 54 h.p. cold starting Diesel engine. However, she cannot be described as an auxiliary, for she will have full power either under sail or under the engine. She will be ketch rigged, and will have a maximum sail area.

The boat is very up-to-date in her fittings, and consists of three compart ments below deck. Forward is the fore castle, which also has room for a certain amount of cargo. Amidships is the en gine room, and aft the main cabin. The after deck has a permanent house over it, and in this will be bunk accommodation.

Aft of the deck house is a modern bath room.

Although the new vessel is a hand some one, and a credit to the boat building staff of the department con cerned. She will probably be in service next month.