New Vessel for A.P.C.

Launched in Sydney

THERE was an early morning gathering at the Halvorsen ship-building yards at Ryde, Sydney on March 22. to catch the high tide, when the Australian Petroleum Company’s newest vessel was launched by the wife of the Company s general manager, Mrs. C. Saunders. She with her husband, had arrived for the ceremony from Melbourne.

“I name thee ‘Davara’,” said Mrs. Saun ders, a split second before the vessel slid down the ways to the water.

“Davara” is a 90 ft. diesel-powered

cargo vessel, designed and built by the Lars Halvorsen Company, and will be used for transporting supplies around Papua, where APC is prospecting for oil.

It is designed to carry 100 tons of cargo, as well as native personnel. “Davara’ has a shallow draught for negotiating bar entrances, is strongly constructed, having composite wood frames, hardwood bottoms and Douglas fir topsides and decks.

Each cargo winch is electrically opertated, and has a capacity of three tons. The six-cylinder Superior Diesel is direct reversing, and capable of developing 260 HP. She will be registered in Port Moresby.

Among those attending the launching ceremony were Mr. E. P. Griffen and W.

A. Freeman (Directors Oil Research), Noel Walker (secretary) Captain Hooper (Navigation Dept.), Mr. and Mrs. West horpe, Dr. Allan Fletcher,, Captain and Mrs. Fitch, Mr. Malcolm Campbell. Mr. and Mrs. Leask, Mr. and Mrs. P. C.

Williams, Mr. Neville Chatfield. Mr. N. J.

Abernathy and Mr. Draffin.