SS Kaiwarra 1919-1942

Propulsion: Single Screw Steam

Built in 1919 by J. Blumer & Co. in Sunderland, the WW1 standard type was laid down as War Star for the British Government.

It was purchased by the USSCo as it became surplus to requirement during construction.  It had a 32-year service with the USSCo which was unremarkable except in 1936 when it made headlines for carrying overseas airmail from Sydney to Picton, where the mail was then flown by Union Airways from Blenheim to the main centres.  It made headlines again on 4 December 1942 while sailing from Lyttelton to Sydney when it was stranded 1 ½ miles north of Motunau Island, North Canterbury and then became a total loss. 

Owners & alternative names: 

1919-1942 Union Steam Ship company