A historic 20th century teak ship's large helm (steering wheel) from the old Union Steam Ship Company of N.Z. Ltd tug 'Tapuhi'; this large handsome ten spoke wheel with brass banding and hub with a diameter of 183 cm and weighing in excess of 40kgs was with the tug 'Tapuhi' from date of launch in 1945 until its removal from service in Vanuatu in the late 1970s. Most importantly, the tug 'Tapuhi' gave assistance to the stricken 'Wahine' during her disaster of 10th April 1968. The 'Tapuhi' which already had steam up in readiness to assist in berthing the 'Wahine' took on board extra towing and salvage equipment and crew in order to give assistance; the storm was of such severity that during her hazardous passage 'Tapuhi' was on three occasions blown out of control and turned completely round, a line was attached to the ferry, however, by ill luck, just as the tug was taking up the slack, 'Tapuhi' was picked up by an unusually heavy sea away from the ferry and the tow line parted. The 'Tapuhi' and/or her boats are recorded as bringing 174 people including four children ashore. Note: full details of her launch by the Great Britain government to assist with the World War II effort in 1945 through to her sinking 16/05/1990 in Vanuatu is available with this impressive helm