LAUNCH OF A YACHT .

j The cruising yacht. Hex, built to the order of ' Captain Spencer Stanhope and Mr. It. 11. Shakespear, of the Little Barrier, by Messrs. Logan Brothers, was launched from the builders' yards, near the Railway Wharf, yesterday. There was a large gathering of the friends of the owners, including a number of ladies; and the- Bavarian Band rendered a number of musical selections during the proceedings. Shortly before three o'clock the spectators began to arrive at the builders' yards, where they were received and welcomed "bv Captain Stanhope, Mr. Shakespear, and Messrs. A. and J. Logan. The new yaoht, which is yawl-rigged, was gaily decorated with flags, and was all ready for launching, was inspected by a large number of those present, wlu expressed themselves delighted with the appearance of the yacht and he» appointments. At a ouarter-past throe o'clock, everything beincr in readiness, Miss Ruby Shakespear, who looked oharming in a neat yachting costume, with c:;p to match, on which was worked an oak leaf, the badge of the Ilex, took up a position at the bows of the yacht, and as the yaoht glided down tho ways into the water, performed the christening ceremony, by breaking a bottle of champagne across the bows, and naming the yacht. The launch was most successful, not a hitch occurring during the proceedings, _ and as the yacht glided into the water the visitors gave three lusty cheers. Ilex, which is on the diagonal principle, with throe skins, is built of the best heart of kauri, all the timber being of one length, her dimensions being: Length, overall, 50ft: waterline, 35ft; beam, lift 6in; draught, 6ft. All the fittings on deck are of gunmetal and galvanised iron. There is a very roomy cabin aft, which has a most pleasing appearance, the panelling being picked out in blue. French gray,_ and gold , and oak graining. The upholstering is of j pantosate, and gives the cabin a. very cosy j look. Forward is the men's quarters, which are also neatly fitted up. Every convenience has been provided, and taken altogether Ilex is one of the best fitted and up-to-date yachts which has been turned out in Auckland. , The yacht has a very handsome appearance in the watei, and Captain Stanhope and Mr. Shake- ; spear are to bo congratulated upon having such a fine boat, which will no doubt prove : herself well fitted foi the uses to which she :isto be put. She has been very strongly \ constructed to fit her to contend with heavy 1 wcathei, and Messrs. Logan Brothers have carried out their contract in their usual faithful manner. nothing but the best of material and workmanshio having been put into the i boat, and the owners express themselves i highly pleased and satisfied with the manner ! in which the builders have carried out the j work. After tho launch the visitors adjourned to the builders' shed, where a bountiful spread was laid out, to which full justice was done. ; Mi. Shakespear, after the visitors had charged their glasses, said: " Ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Cap- 1 tain Stanhope and myself, I must thank you j for youi presence to-day. Wo have had a most successful launch, and I am now going | to ask you to drink ' Success to the Ilex, j coupled with the names of Messrs. Logan Brothers, tho designers arid builders; and I may say that we are both very much pleased with the manner in which the building and fitting out ha 3 been executed." The toast was heartily drunk, with cheers fo> the Ilex. Mr. W. Berry proposed tho toast of " The Owners of the Ilex. Captain Stanhope and Mr. Shakespear." The yacht which they had just seen launched satisfied all those who could juclpo of her critically as a vessel, and all those who could only appreciate he. beauty and the elegant way in which she was fitted up. He was sure they all hoped that the owners wolud havo much pleasure in sailing her. The toast was heartily drunk, with cheers. Mr. W. 1. J. Bell (W. A. Ryan and Co., Limited) proposed the health of "The Builders," and in doing so bore testimony to the faithful manner in which Messrs. Logan Brothers carried out any work entrusted to them. This terminated the proceedings, and the party dispersed after thanking Captain Stanhope and M.. Shakespea. for the pleasant afternoon they had spent. Tho Ilex will go out fo. a trial spin to-day, and to-morrow will go for a short cruise with a party of the friends of tho owners on board, returning in j the evening.