MR. CRAWFORD'S FUTURE SHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2403, 1 December 1877, Page 6

MR. CRAWFORD'S FUTURE SHIP.

An account of Mr Crawford's future ship, fitted on his principle of protection against the attack of all torpedoes, and their steam launches. It is a first-class ironclad, moving on the bosom of the dark waters ; apparently she is unprotected against torpedoes and their launches. In the distance are seen three very small steamers, and those in charge of them are scanning through their night-glasses the proud ship. She looks a very tempting bait, so they make tip their minds to sink her. The third watch walking the deck has not perceived one of the launches making straight towards the ship ; but this seeming carelessness is caused by his strict obedience to orders and dicipline. So the three little launches, being thus deceived, are bent on their murderous errand. There are also two sailors lounging over the ship's side, talking over their last love affair, or of dear ones at home;', they also see the launches, but give no alarm whatever. All is calm and quiet on that graceful ship. One of the little steamers is within 30 feet ot her. Oh, horror ! can nothing be done to save her. There is a white cloud rising, but no report from any gun was heard. The two sailors are in the same position, and the watch walking the deck, but where is the torpedo launch ? It has sunk to the bottom—by its own act—and there was no gun fired from the ship at it. No, she scorns to waste her strength on such a foe—■ once dreaded, but now no longer feared. She is keeping the thunders of her strength for those batteries some twenty miles ofl". A second launch is making straight towards her at full speed, to have revenge for the loss ot her companion, but only to share her fate ; but the third launch is making off in another direction. The sailors hit upon the truth when they say she smells a rat. The captain's log-book records the following : —" Two torpedo launches sunk. Five torpedos exploded on striking the shields. Number put out of their course uncertain. Eleven torpedos fished or picked up, and stored on deck." What a contrast between this ship and the past. Before, at the sight of ;a launch making towards them, all was confusion, many brave sailors leaping into the water rather than be blown into atoms, and a magnificent ship in her full strength and glory, costing the nation some £600,000, sent, without five minutes notice, to the bottom, while Mr Crawford's guards and appliances will be a mere trifle compared to the £600,000. Mr Crawford is ready to fit up any old ship or hulk, on trial, for any European power, on his protection principle, remaining himself on board picking up the sunken torpedos ; at the same time the launches are to go full speed against her, and the Whitehead torpedos are to strike her. In haste. More anon.