Robert Brown and Peter Henley from the Toroa Preservation Society captivated members of the West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club with the remarkable story of restoring the historic Toroa steam ferry. Launched in 1925, the Toroa was the last of eight ferries built with an innovative double-ended design that eliminated the need to turn around—making the 15-minute journey from the city to Devonport as efficient then as it is today. At its heart is a “Rolls-Royce of steam engines,” a triple expansion system that reuses steam multiple times for exceptional efficiency. After tragically sinking in 1998, the Toroa was salvaged and relocated to West Auckland in what is believed to be the largest boat moved out of water in the Southern Hemisphere outside of a commercial slipway—an epic undertaking involving a 112-wheeled trailer and 2,000 horsepower worth of trucks. The ultimate vision is to see the Toroa back on the harbour as an excursion ferry and operating steam show.
On October 1st, a small group of members joined the Henderson Falls Combined Friendship Club for a delightful outing to the Auckland Domain Wintergardens. Members explored the Category 1 listed heritage site, discovering two magnificent Victorian-style glasshouses and a fernery, with flowers in the first glasshouse in full, spectacular bloom. The trip reinforced the great relationship with the Henderson Falls Club and provided superb value, with the total cost just $30 per person for transport, the garden visit, and a lovely lunch at the New Lynn RSA.
