The Aramoana Goes Into Service

A new era in transportation for Marlborough, and to nearly as great an extent, for Nelson, commenced last month with the introduction of the new rail-road ferry service. The Aramoana, the New Zealand Railways beautifully-appointed vessel, is now operating between Wellington and Picton, replacing the old Tamahine, which plied between both ports for 37 years. With the introduction of this new vehicular ferry, both provinces should benefit from an influx of tourists because access has been made much easier for them. The lower (yet still controversial) passage prices should also have a bearing on the number of visitors coming to the South Island.
The introduction of the service, however, was anything but auspicious. On its inaugural trip the vessel encountered quite a gale and berthed at the new terminal wharf at Picton only on its second attempt. In trying for its berth on her first run in, the Aramoana was caught by strong wind while it had little or no way on, and in attempting to recover from this difficult position, struck Waitohi wharf. Launches and small boats which put out to escort the vessel into port have been blamed, in part, for the accident.
We reproduce over seven pages, pictures taken at the farewell sailing of the old Tamahine and the arrival of the Aramoana on its inaugural crossing. The picture on these pages is of the Aramoana, snug in her berth but with her side damaged, and with Picton forming a lovely backdrop.

The troubles of the Aramoana: This series of three pictures tells part of the story of her berthing mishaps. Above, in backing slowly into her berth she is caught by the strong cross wind. At top right, with the realisation of danger she gets under way. Below, a slight heel over to starboard was the only indication observers had at the terminal that she had struck. Note the small runabout at the vessel's stern. It was our opinion that if the Aramoana had not struck for'ard her still-swinging stern might have crushed this boat.

Some of the damage to the Taitohi wharf

The tower structure in which machinery is installed to manipulate the link span

The last straw - railway wagons which were to have been the Aramoana's first rail cargo were derailed and rails aboard them had to be unloaded.

The Minister of Railways (Mr McAipine) drives the first vehicle off the ferry

The superficial damage could in no way impair the vessel's lovely lines

The railway vehicle deck which can accommodate 34 railway wagons 85 cars or 20 wagons and 40 cars (an upper deck can take 30 cars)

A section of the spacious restaurant

Detailed charts of the coastline add interest to the crossing

A small section of the bar

Part of the stern observation lounge: comfortable seats but passengers com-plain that the windows are too high.

Mr McAlpine walking past a Sea Scout guard of honour at the terminal

It will be appreciated!

Goodbye to the Tamahine, lit up for the occasion from stem to stern

Captain J. N. C. Millward with Mr and Mrs E. P. Meachen (Blenheim Mayor and Mayoress) and Mr T. R. Harrison, deputy Mayor of Picton.

A part of the vast crowd which saw the old-timer off

Waves and a few tears as the Tamahine backed slowly away from the wharf

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The Nelson Photo News

No 23 : September 15, 1962

The Aramoana Goes Into Service