TSS Earnslaw 99th Birthday Cruise
18 October 2011
Media Release
Over a hundred local senior citizens braved cold wintry conditions to help Real Journeys celebrate the 99th anniversary of the TSS Earnslaw’s maiden voyage on a return cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak.
“There was a lot of history crossing the lake this morning, and a lot of stories told, with at least a couple of people in their nineties on board. The atmosphere was great, with some even travelling over from Alexandra for the occasion,” said Tracey Maclaren, General Manager Queenstown Operations.
Olive, Lady Hutchins invited Walter Peak’s retiring Rural Manager Dianne Westaway to cut the cake marking the Lady of the Lake’s 99th birthday. “Dianne has worked so long for the company and had such a long association with the vessel, living at Walter Peak for 37 years, that I thought it was appropriate. Also, they may invite me to cut the cake next year,” said Olive, Lady Hutchins.
Ms Maclaren hoped all those on board would return to help celebrate the centennial in October 2012. The week of celebrations includes a special Seniors’ Cruise.
All today’s proceeds, amounting to over $1000, from the specially priced $10 tickets were donated to Jigsaw Central Lakes (formerly Wakatipu Abuse Prevention Network). One man who travelled for free was Bob McNeill, from Alexandra, who had the honour of being the same age as the TSS Earnslaw. He couldn’t remember the first time he travelled on the TSS Earnslaw, but still has his original boat pass. He said he had been on the steamship many times over the years and loved it.
A traditional morning tea of scones and pikelets with cream and jam was served with tea, coffee and, of course cake. After a rousing Happy Birthday, the sing-a-long continued, accompanied by the on-board pianist.
For more information about the TSS Earnslaw please visit: www.tssearnslaw.co.nz
SHORT HISTORY OF TSS EARNSLAW
Large crowds gathered at Queenstown Bay for the launch of the TSS Earnslaw on 18th October 1912, it created such a stir that a public holiday was declared the next day so people could travel on a special trip to Glenorchy.
For fifty years the coal fired steamship was the lifeline of the farming community, carrying freight, sheep, cattle, wool bales and passengers around Lake Wakatipu. Her maximum load was listed as 1,035 passengers, 1,500 sheep or 200 bales of wool or 70 cattle. But once the roads had been built to both Kingston and Glenorchy she was no longer considered essential, she started running at a loss, there was talk of converting her to diesel; even talk of sinking her.
Visionary tourism entrepreneur Les Hutchins of Fiordland Travel, now Real Journeys, bought the steamship in 1969 and turned her into the tourist attraction that she is today. The twin-screw steamer continues to ply Lake Wakatipu, her longevity attributed to the pure water of the lake along with careful ongoing maintenance by Real Journeys.
For more information or images please contact:
Tsehai Tiffin - Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: + 64 3 442 4830
Mobile: 021 523 899
Email: ttiffin@realjourneys.co.nz
