SS Ngapuhi

SS Ngapuhi berthing at wharf, Tauranga, c. 1920
Real photo postcard, photographed by Henry Winkelmann, published as ‘Tourist Series. 1000’
Collection of Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī Ref. 04-517

The people of Tauranga were delighted to hear that the Northern Steamship Company’s steamer SS Ngapuhi would be replacing the Aupouri on the Tauranga-Auckland service. Even more pleasing was the fact that Captain Haultain would be in command. A letter to the Bay of Plenty Times on 1 July 1912 asked the Northern Steamship Company to accede to the travelling public’s wish that Captain Haultain be appointed. The letter goes on to say that he is a careful and experienced navigator and practically knows every inch of the ocean between Tauranga and Auckland. More importantly he is always considerate to the public, who have complete confidence in him.

Before starting her service, the Town Wharf needed to be extended by about 40 feet so she would be able to work both her hatches simultaneously, as only working one hatch would mean more expense and loss of time. Since a Harbour Board had not yet been formed the cost would be the Council’s responsibility.

SS Ngapuhi (left) and Faulkner’s ferry Ruru (right) at Tauranga Wharf, c. 1920s
Black-and-white print by unidentified photographer
Collection of Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī Ref. 04-515

At 7:00 am on October 12 1912 the Ngapuhi arrived in Tauranga on her maiden trip for the Tauranga-Auckland run.

Her length is 190 feet, beam 30 feet, depth of hold 13 feet and her registered tonnage 691. She has excellent passenger accommodation with thirteen two berth and three four berth cabins. Extra berths can be made up in the saloon, social hall and smoking room. The ladies cabin is an airy, well situated apartment and has berths for fourteen so that all passengers can be accommodated in the first class. There are two bathrooms with hot and cold water. She generally travels at about 12 knots per hour but her 1200 h.p engines are capable of 16 knots if needed. The steerage has comfortable quarters for thirty passengers and there is a separate apartment for 10 ladies. Overall she has a deserved reputation for speed, comfort and sea going qualities, especially in bad weather.

During the morning notable members of the public visited the ship and she left that evening with about forty passengers aboard. Several hundred people assembled on the wharf to watch her departure and cheer her on her way.

SS Ngapuhi at Tauranga Wharf, c. 1910s
 Real photo postcard, unidentified photographer, published by Frank Duncan & Co. as ‘Tourist Series. 266’
Collection of Justine Neal

The Ngapuhi transported livestock as well as passengers and on 22 January 1916 the Close Brothers of Te Puna shipped twenty three light artillery and remount horses to Auckland. The horses had all been bred in the Bay of Plenty and had been purchased by the Defence Department.

From the Bay of Plenty Times 25 July 1917:

“The nearer to tragedy the greater the comedy” was exemplified on the Wharf last evening as the Ngapuhi was leaving. A young lady rushed on board as the gangway was being lowered, but her companion just missed. He hesitated to throw a “considerable” dress basket aboard, but the distress plainly to be seen on the young lady’s face was too much for a gallant who stood nearby. He pounced on the offending luggage and with a mighty heave landed it on the ship’s rail, where it was secured. The assembled and admiring crowd watched with breathless silence and as it saw the basket secured, turned its eyes on the “sport,” who b this time was balancing in mid-air. He had lost his balance and with arms waving plunged headlong into the harbour. A splash, a short silence, then a shout from the dark waters announced his reappearance. A rope and a little exertion landed him on the Wharf, where he was promptly offered a match, for he still held in his teeth the pipe he had been smoking before immersion.

In March 1929 the Ngapuhi’s timetable was, “Leave Tauranga Tuesday and Friday 7.00pm. Leave Auckland Monday and Thursday 6.30pm. Single fare 17/6   Return 32/6.”

The SS Ngapuhi served Tauranga faithfully for 17 years and on Wednesday 3 April 1929 she made her final trip in the Auckland-Tauranga service. A large crowd gathered on the wharf to bid the ship farewell. As the moorings were cast off at 7.00pm a cheer went up from the crowd which was returned by the crew and passengers. Several blasts of the ship’s whistle were blown as the Ngapuhi pulled away on her last trip much to the regret of the public.

References

Papers Past, Bay of Plenty Times