This photo does not do justice to one of the most graceful ships ever built for the Union Steam Ship Company. The Rangatira was completed by Vickers-Armstrong in 1931 for the 'Steamer Express' service between Lyttelton and Wellington. By the time this photo was taken in 1961 she was reduced to relief ship, with Hinemoa and Maori usually maintaining the service. Turbo-electric propulsion drove twin screws to give a speed of 22 knots and a bow rudder made her very manoeuverable. She left Wellington for the last time on 25 October 1967 in tow of Fuji Maru for Hong Kong where she was broken up.