Page B6, August 12,1 1979- ~Suaday N News,

iets DOs Master” “during the . ‘Sea “Island. towing gravel scows

By KARL BEGRICH ‘Many: of us have seen the

was involved duzing ~-her active life were: towing of log booms, hauling coal

trom Vancorver.-

Festival activities. during old lady blew its steam from the giant chimney each time a tubber-dashed passed her.

I think she wanted some ‘attention. “Hey, I'm still here, and I'm doing fine. Don’t ignore me! You might need me one day.” —-

Y had a . chance to talk to Chris Croner, a member of the S.S. Master Society, and he educated me with history - ins technical data of this old

iy.

- The steam. tug “S.S.

“Master,” is the last of a fleet

of .300 steam tow boats which at one time operated in the waters off the Pacific coast,

The .“S.S. Master” was built in 1922 by H. Moscrop, whose yard was on the banks of False “Creek in Van- couver, where the north pier of the Burrard Bridge now Stands.

She was “built for a Mr. Thornson and acquired Lamb Logging shortly after. Marpole Towing purchased the “S.S. Master” in the 1930's, and then in the 1950's she became part of the Billey Bros. fleet when Marpole Towing was acquired by them. However, even under new ownership she still carried on with her distinctive markings on the funnel which made her easily recognizable throughout the pacific northwest.

The “S.S. Master” was laid up in 1959,-where the Pitt River joins the Fraser, and unfortunately in 1962 was put up for sale.

She was purchased by the Vancouver branch of the World Ship Society as a tribute to pioncer personnel who had dedicated their lives to the tow boat in- dustry.

With the rising cost of maintenance, the World

_ohip Society finally -dect

to dispose of the “S.S.. Master,” and'in 1970 she was sold to the “S.S. Master” Society.

Unfortunately, owing to a steady decline in the membership of the society, the restoration on this historic vessel started slowing down, and_ con- sequently she fell into a sad state of disrepair.

In 1976, the plight of this vessel, (represenfing Maritime Heritage of British Columbia), was brought to the attention of some naval veterans, who needless to say became interested, and as a result 20 of them joined the society and commenced to put her back into ship shape condition.

Among some of the dutics in which the “S.S. Master”

~ the intentions of the society

_ cadets and wrennettes, (boys

‘agreement, the ‘S.S.

_from Menzies" Bay on the .; coast of British Columbia,: - and also towing barges from as far away as Alaska to as

far south as San Francisco.

The society wishes to express its most grateful thanks to some 50 odd am companies on .the lower mainland who have assisted them by materials as well as cash donations, to help them further this restoration project.

Before falling into this sad state of disrepair the “S.S. Master” used to take part in several functions such-as the . bath tub races, the Van- couver Sea Festival, and the parade of carol ships around the harbour at christmas time.

Hopefully ;—~ when restoration is completed it is

to allow the navy league

and girls 10 - 14 years), to use this vessel to obtain some practical training in seamanship.

As a result of a recent.

Master” is now aligned with the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and will be turned over to them when she cannot longer sail and when suitable facilities to ac- commodate her are available at this location.

The “S.S. Master” par- ticipated in the annual Puget Sound steamboat race last weekend for the first time. She was the only Canadian boat — and won the race.

“You should have seen the

excitement!” Chris tried to , . . . 2 NAS pif At ARN i OID MINT LON tattle scat ei can a a draw me pictures with his

hands, while he talked about

hot steamlines that almost THE SS MASTER with the North Shore in the burst, flying foam and background, top, and a view of the main feed water

e raddling steam whistles. pump. The engine is 9 350 hp triple expansion steam Hi d Th Gl engine built by Wiliam Beardsmore of Scotland in al a Cro aS . 1916. The prop fs a four blade cast iron eight foot A Yes, we got the trophy . diameter with a 7°6” pitch. Overall length of the vessel ass and we'll do it again next is 79.5 feet with a beam of 19 feet, a dranght of 12 feet | year. We are invited to take =—s amd met registered tommage.of.70.5..The-boller is fire of summer comfort... rt-on-the annual “Classic ~~ mbe, scotch-:marine;--twin—farmace, off fired. with, —_

oat-Meet’ On September 1. natural draft. (Peter Stabs photos). . “and 2. It's held at the inner

harbour in Victoria. We really try hard to keep the

heritage of wooden ships and steamships alive. ~ . id “Sure, it costs some 1979 Leam to Sail

money — and we always International Year

look for donations. We even . filled out the necessary of the Child forms for a grant under the historical vessel act.”

ora cooler summer install Hada The cine glass,

now witha full &2" dead airspace and special

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407 Mountain Highways Noth \ amouver, B ¢

If you want to take a look at the historical boat, wander down to the Ter- , minal Dock just’ past’ the wy : in just 10 Easy Cannery. I bet the lads invite . marty 5 Dhowr classes you aboard for a cup of coffee!

For any further in- formation on this vessel contact Bill Bowe (437-9065) Loe gga . or Bill Wiley (873-4975). Unicef Canada @) Tol, 649-0840