Starting New Life

A new life for the old lightering vessel "Coronation" is in store for her. Under the guiding hand of Tony Robb the ship has been refurbished and with four other men and the cook will sail shortly to look for trading work in the New Hebrides, and maybe further north.

The "Coronation" was built by George Frost in 1902 at Kincumber, N.S.W. She is 86' long, has a beam of 22', and a gross tonnage of 138. During its career the vessel carried the kauri timber from Whitianga to build the Pakarae Hotel. (This was later shifted to become the Whangara Hotel which was destroyed by fire). She was also used to transport sulphur from White Island until that island blew up. During the Second World War the "Coronation" was commissioned as a mine-sweeper and worked around the North Island's northern waters. The last ship loaded out from Gisborne by the "Coronation" was the "Huntingdon" on May 22, 1967.

The original ship in full sail.

The ship has actually been given a new name. It is now called "Tamahae", which is Tahitian for Wanderer.

Skipper and crew on board the vessel will by, from left, Tony Robb, Roger Weetman, Peter Hazal, Jock Watt and John Hall.

The old engine, a 1930 Fairbanks Morse with air wick start and direct drive, was removed. It was replaced, below right, with a 160hp Lister Blackstone.