"Viti" for Tasman

Run Bought by Group of Servicemen

THE Fiji Government’s motor-ship “Viti,” which was built in Hong kong in 1940 for £69,000, and was intended for use as the Governor’s yacht, has been bought by the Tasman Steam ship Company Ltd., of Auckland.

It is rumoured that the price paid was £20,000 although the Fiji Government was asking for more than twice that amount when “Viti” was first offered for sale towards the end of 1946.

“Viti” had little use as a Governor’s yacht, although she carried Sir Harry Luke to Noumea in August, 1940, during the disturbances prior to the French colonies declaring for de Gaulle.

During the war, “Viti” was commis sioned as a RNZN ship, her duties in cluding salvage work, escort and supply duties, and troop transportation. Be tween the end of the war and when she was offered for sale, she ran frequent passenger trips between Suva and Auck land.

The Tasman Shipping Company was formed in 1947 by 16 ex-Servicemen, one of whom has since dropped out. They purchased a former minesweeper, refitted her to carry 100 tons of refrigerated cargo and, since October, have made numerous voyages between New Zealand and Aus tralian ports.

“Viti” will be taken to Auckland for refitting and will then engage in carrying refrigerated cargoes between that port and Australia.

Captain W. Clough Blair, of the Tas man Steamships Co. said that the “Viti” was considerably larger than the com pany’s present ship and this would assist them to meet the large volume of busi ness offering.