"Stella Maris II"

Leaves For N. Guinea

T ttt . BRISBANE, Dec. 24.

HE Roman Catholic Mission boat, “Stella Maris II,” left here to-day for New Guinea ports, via Cairns.

This 300-ton ship was bought from the Commonwealth government some months ago, to replace the original “Stella Maris” which was destroyed during the war.

Capt. A. S. Fenton is master of the ship, with Mr. J. Ross first mate and MV.

G. Hamilton second mate. Mr. S. Sheri dan is first engineer, with Brother E.

Kneuver his assistant. Brother W. Klus is cook. Ten New Guinea natives make up the crew.

The boat is carrying five priests as passengers—the Rev. Fathers I. Schwab, R. Nowak, A. Derowski, R. Jischke, F.

Hempleman; they are returning to their mission stations in Central and Eastern New Guinea after varying periods in Australia. Most of them spent some time during the war as prisoners of war but have now apparently recovered their health.

“Stella Maris II” has a length of 124 feet with a 24 feet beam and a cargo space of over 11,000 cubic feet. Two Lister engines have been installed and there is a 10 HP engine for light and power. Maximum speed of the ship is seven knots.

The ship was built for war purposes in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1944 but was in a very dilapidated condition when taken over by the Mission. She is constructed of Tasmanian hardwbod with decking of Celery-top pine. Originally she was sheathed with metal but this has been removed and a sheathing of turpentine timber substituted.

Under the direction of Captain Fenton, the boat has been reconditioned through out and a spacious lounge deck to im prove the lot of the passengers has been added. She has also been provided with large life-boats and four loading beams each capable of lifting 11 tons.

The ship was originally christened the “Rahra,” but recently it was rechristened and named after the foriyier mission ship, “Stella Maris” by Monsignor W. van Baar, Apostolic Administrator of the Central and Eastern New Guinea Mission districts.

“Stella Maris I” was beached near Alexishafen, during the war, after her captain and engineer had been killed in an air attack. She subsequently broke up.

The new vessel will be registered at Port Moresby and will be based on Alexis hafen, New Guinea.