Launch

A Ship That Would Not Launch And a Bottle That Wouldn't Break

WHEN the Governor of Fiji (Sir Harry Luke) went to Walu Bay, near Suva in December, to formally launch the new Public Works boat “Degei” (915 feet long, 23 feet beam, 11 feet depth) there was a series of mishaps, “I name thee ‘Degei’ ”, said the Gover nor, and cut a ribbon which allowed a bottle of wine to crash against the new ship’s bow. The bottle crashed, but did not smash.

So the bottle was hauled up, and allowed again to swing against the bow Again it did not break.

Perspiring audibly, the harassed offi cials hoisted the bottle again, and huried it down; and this time it smashed satisfactorily, and the good wine ran to waste.

Then the ship was deemed ready to take the water. The cradle was released His Excellency waited quietly, and the ship moved slowly away.

But only a little way. Just when the new hull was about to enter its element the cradle jammed. Nothing more could be done until next tide. The Governor returned to Suva, with the “Degei” still named, but still unlaunched.

Next day, in the absence of officialdom, and in the most docile manner possible the “Degei” was launched.

Mr. W. Goodsir, managing director of the Fiji Kauri Timber and Land Co.

Ltd., returned to Suva in December after a visit to New Zealand.