The Society’s own paddler – The Society has achieved one of its main objects only three years after its foundation, by acquiring PS Alumchine. A present the ship is on the Pembrokeshire County Council’s slipway at Neyland. To ensure that Alumchine is a credit to all of us when she departs on her first voyage flying the PSPS flag, every member will want to play a full part. Bringing the ship round is going to cost money and therefore without any excuses we appeal for more.

Early career – The Alumchine was built by Asdela & Mitchell, Chester, launched on June 30th 1923 and named Menai. Her dimensions were 80′ x 17′-6″. The machinery consists of a two crank compound diagonal engine. Menai was built to ply across the Menai Straights and was a particularly smart little ship when she appeared with highly ornamental paddle boxes and a great deal of brass railing. Caernarvon, however, only retained her for a short while for they sold her in 1929, and she was again sold in 1933 to the ferry proprietor of Pembroke Dock.

Scottish notes – Last seasons continued bad weather is reflected in the passenger figures of 35m, a drop of over half a million on 1961.

Portsmouth paddlers – Whippingham was offered for sale in Lloyd’s List last Dec 24th.

Cosens & Co. – Readers will learn with regret of the announcement by Cosens that they do not intend to operate trips to Lulworth Cove and Portland Harbour this year and that Consul will be laid up at Weymouth.

White Funnel news – The Scilly Islands Charter is likely to be the main event of the season The Bristol Queen is being chartered for this cruise but the Society has secured a block of tickets at party rates. Glen Usk remains laid up in a state of increasing depreciation in Cardiff Docks.

Don’t go into the steamship business – If you want to gamble go in for Premium Bonds, don’t go into the steamship business and ply for public hire, warned Mr W J Philpott, formerly manager of Eagle Steamers in a racy, humourous and factual talk to the London Branch on December 1st.