THE NEW STEAMER RICHMOND.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 149, 27 June 1887, Page 4

THE NEW STEAMER RICHMOND.

The s.s. Richmond, G2S tons register, Captain McGillivray, purchased by Messrs Donald and Edenborough, to replace the s.s. Janet Nicoll in the South Sea Island trade, arrived from Sydney via Newcastle on Sunday morning, and berthed at the Railway "Wharf. Captain McGillivray reports :—Left anchorage, Watson's Bay, Sydney, noon, Monday, 20th.; cleared Heads, 0.30, with light easterly winds which continued throughout the passage ; sighted Cape Maria light, 1 a.m. on 25th ; passed North Cape, 7 a.m. ; Cape Brett, 3 p.m., arriving at Wharf 2 a.m. on 26th. Passengers :-Saloon : Captain Salt, Mrs Ferriday, Mr Hulls, Mr A. B. Donald, Capt. Hargreaves ; steerage : Messrs Win. Mandson, John Johnston, John Palmer, Walter Bristow, John McQuarrie. •The " Sydney Morning Herald" of June 16th says: "The steamer Richmond was yesterday, at about 10 a.m.; taken from Mort's Dock and Engineering Company's Wharf over to Berry's Bay," to have her compasses adjusted. While turning in the bay she unfortunately ran ashore, close to Morland's boat-house, on a ledge of rocks that runs out'a' considerable distance. The engines were at '.once' reversed, biit the vessel remained fast, and it was not until the assistance of t\ro tugs, which were helped by the rising tide, had been secured that the Richmond got afloat again; Sofar as could be seen'at the tivne no damage was done, and the Richmond then proceeded downtheharbourfor atrial of her machinery The result is said to have been very satisfactory The Richmond returned to Berry's Bay, where she was anchored. At the invitation of one of. the owners, Mr A B Donald, a number; of gentlemen had'assembled on board, and these were entertained to luncheon. 'Success to the Richmond was heartily drunk, and several

other toasts were honoured, the proceedings throughout being interesting and agreeable. During the evening a diver was sent; down to examine the ship's bottom, and liis report was thab beyond the paint being scraped off she was uninjured." Description of the Steamer. The Richmond is a smart-looking steamer* of 628 tons register. She was built in. 1885 under special survey, and classed 100 Al at Lloyds for both hull and machinery. Her dimensions are : Length, 178 ft; beam, 27ft Gin. ; depth of hold 10ft. 6in.' She is rigged as a two masted schooner. Her modoi is as full as possible consistent with permitting a good rate of speod and the steamer has consequently a large carryingcapacity of light draught. She is fitted withfour bulkheads, all carried to the main deck, and, generally speaking, is very strongly built. The Richmond is far in advance of the Janet Nicoll in these and every other respects. Her cargo carrying space is well arranged and well ventilated, and the passenger accommodation is almost on a par with that of the Union Company's steamer?. The cabin is fitted for first-class passengers, with sofas round tho stern and stern lockers, litted so that they can be utilised for bed berths, a mirror at . each wing aft, and large washsfcand, with a mahogany top to form a table at oach side. The saloon is fitted up and decorated in a handsome manner. The panelling is of jalousie and maplo in nice design. The dining tables extend tho whole length of tho saloon, and provide sitting accommodation for 32 persons. Tho ladies cabin is situated oft' the saloon,and is fitted with saloon berths and eight revolving chairs. Lavatories, bath-rooms, etc., aro situated in approved positions. Tho cabins are well fitted out and have each a Smith's patent lavatory, and tho ventilation generally is excellent. Over the saloon there is a social hall handsomely fitted up, with a piano and the surroundings in keeping with well executed artistic work in the panelling. The Richmond is also supplied with Sir William Thompson's patent compass and patentelectricbells. The accommodation for steerage passenger is also good and well adapted for warm latiltides. Tho pantry is on deck, and so aro the officer's cabins. The Richmond is fitted with a pair of compound inverted cylinders, and surface condensing steam engines and boilers, and is , capable of attaining a high rate 'of speed. She is capable of carrying 850 tons general cargo and her average steaming on tho trip just completed was about 10 knots. From Sydney to Newcastle she recorded 1 H knots, and consequently may be expected to considerably reduce tho time previously occupied on the South Sea trip.