This is a case where Te Papa have not looked closely enough at a photo, and just believed what someone has written after the fact. They have this image catalogued as that of a ferry named Alexander -- it is actually the Alexandra. LAUNCH OF THE ALEXANDRA. The new ferry steamer built by Mr Holmes at the North Shore yards was launched at 10.30 am to-day. Mr H. Brown superintended operations, owing to the illness of the builder, who although present, felt unequal to the task. Owing to the level nature of the ground between the building yard and water, and the distance the vessel had to be launched, the undertaking was not a particularly easy one and some little trouble was experienced in getting the steamer underway. When over the roadway, however, she went off with a run and sent the outer logs flying amid the cheers of the onlookers. The christening ceremony was performed in the orthodox manner by Miss Holmes, daughter of the builder, who named the steamer the Alexandra. .. The Steamer was built to order of the old ferry company, with the intention of showing the North Shore people a boat worthy of the nineteenth century. The new company came upon the scene and agreed to take the steamer If she possessed certain capabilities. So far as he could see, Mr Holmes had made a very satisfactory job. Mr W. H. Brown said the steamer had very fine lined, and if the machinery proved up to the mark she would certainly steam well. Her guaranteed speed was 10 miles an hour. Several other gentleman made complimentary remarks about the vessel, some making special notice of the fact that while the directors of the present company shewed great Interest in the event, the directors of the old company became conspicuous by their absence, not a single representative being present. ... The Alexandra will be added to tho North Shore and Auckland ferry fleet. Auckland Star 9 February 1882. Theres a note in the NZ Card Index from 1969, that the Alexandra ended up wrecked on Browns Island some years before. Images: Te Papa museum, O.021609. Photo by Edwin Willmott (d.1888)
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 18:45:14 +0000