Tamaroa

[shipstamps]

The 6d. stamp depicts the Shaw Savill & Albion vessel Tamaroa unloading Dominion imports at a Wellington wharf. Originally the Sophocles, she was built by Harland & Wolff, Ltd., in 1922. Her gross tonnage is 12,405, net 7,336 and she has a fuel capacity of 3,759 tons. Her dimensions are, length 500 ft., breadth 63 ft.. depth 40 ft. She is fitted with D.F. gear, radar, and echo-sounding apparatus, and has four steam turbines, double-reduction geared to twin-screw shafts. Her speed is fifteen knots. In 1933 she was converted to a cabin class liner with accommodation for 130 passengers.
SG597 Sea Breezes 11/47

[D. v. Nieuwenhuijzen]

Built in 1921-'22 by Harland & Wolff, #575,Belfast, for G. Thompson & Co., Aberdeen (Aberdeen Line) as SOPHOCLES.
Cargo/passenger ship, Gt:12.361, Nt:7367, Dw:10.196, L:158,10m. B:19,26m. D:12m. Draught:? Brown-Curtis H&W turbines:5200 shp. 2 shafts, 13½ kn. pass. 1st class:131, 3rd class:422.
On 01-04-'22 maiden voyage London - Brisbane.
In '26 chartered to Shaw Savill & Albion Co. renamed TAMAROA, converted to oil-firing, 15 kn. Gt:12.354, '32 bought by Shaw Savill & Albion Co., Southampton, Gt:12.405.
In WW II troop transport,27-08- '48 back to owner and back in service London - Panama - Wellington, Gt:12.375, pass: tourist class:372.
'57 demolished by Hughes, Bolckow, Blyth.
(New Zealand 1936, 6 d. StG.597)
Great Passenger Ships of the World 2 + internet.