MV Aorere & MV Wai-iti |
Aorere Name Meaning: Flying Cloud Year Built: 1901 Type: Light Wooden Launch Builder: Charles Bailey, Auckland Propulsion: Single Screw in Tunnel Passengers: 22 Length: 40ft 2in Beam: 8ft 1in Depth: 3ft 1in Machinery: 1-2 Cyl Union Oil 15 BHP Fate: Oringinally built for Wanganui River Settlers Co. and in 1902 the demise of this company saw Hatrick purchase the vessel and use it for the Houseboat to Taumarunui run when the river was too low for larger steamers. It is not known how this vessel was disposed of. |
Wai-iti Name Meaning: Little Water Year Built: 1901 Type: Light Wooden Launch Builder: Logan Bros, Auckland Propulsion: Single Screw in Tunnel Passengers: 27 Length: 39ft 6in Beam: 8ft Depth: 3ft Machinery: 1-2 Cyl Union Oil 10 BHP Fate: Built for A. Hatrick & Co. and after the demise of Tangarakau service the Wai-iti was used for the Houseboat to Taumarunui run. NOTE: This was the first vessel named Wai-iti and had been disposed of when the other vessel built in 1911 was given the same name. |
Introduction: In 1900 the Wanganui River Trust started the maintenance of the Tangarakau River in preparation for a new passenger service. By April 1901 the river was cleared sufficiently so that the service could start. A. Hatrick & Co's ordered vessel was ready for service and so was the oppositions. The service continued until the flood of May 1904 when the river was so badly blocked up by fallen trees that the service was abondoned. |
Click on the images below to see the full size version. |
(1st) |
MV Aorere |
MV Wai-iti |
Both on trials, Waitemata Harbour Auckland |
