| In 1883, the New Zealand Government bought four Thornycroft torpedo boats. They were to be stationed strategically along the length of the country ostensibly to counter the threat of a (mythical) Russian invasion. The torpedo boats were relatively small, narrow, lightly built and generally viewed with the benefit of hindsight as being quite obsolete when they arrived.
Dimensions Length 63 ft Beam 7.5 ft Draft 3.3 ft Disp 12.5 ton The engine and boiler of the boat stationed at Lyttleton was saved by Prof W Scott (a yachtsman and keen fisherman) and the engine was kept in a case in the foyer of the School of Engineering for a number of years. The old fortifications at Magazine Bay where the boat was based have been restored and the remains of the ship are on view. The engine has been repositioned there from its long term Ilam site. They have a good website which is quite easy to find -search for Magazine Bay. For more information about the Thornycroft torpedo boats visit www.nzmaritime.org.nz |
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 A fine shot of the boat in her prime. |
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