Kaiwarra 1919-1942

A 3051 ton WW1 standard type, built in 1919 by J. Blumer & Co, Sunderland she was laid down as War Star for the British Government. She was built as a World War 1 standard type design but was purchased by the USSCo. when she became surplus to requirement during her construction.  Her 32 year service with the USSCo. was mundane except in 1936 when she made headlines for carrying overseas airmail from Sydney to Picton where it was then flown by Union Airways from Blenheim to the main centres. Again she made headlines on 4 December 1942 while sailing from Lyttelton to Sydney when she stranded 1 ½ miles north of Motunau Island, North Canterbury and became a total loss.