H.M.S. CRESCENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 118, 19 May 1892, Page 4

H.M.S. CRESCENT.

p A NEW CRUISER. p The latesb addition to the naval force of treat Britain was launched from Portsmouth recently, in tho shape of the new steel cruiser Cre3cont, one of the nine protected first-class cruisers ordered to be ooub under tho Naval Defence Acb. The wescenb is a sister shipto the Royal Arthur, launched, by Her Majesty the Queen, "i February, last year. She is sheathed with toak and copper, enabling her to go on a lonpr cruise without being docked for cleaning. Her principal dimensions are: Wngth between perpendiculars, 360 f t; woadth, extreme, 60ft Sin ; mean draught, "iit 9in. The displacement, when fully equipped and with all stores on board, wih PS 7,700 tons. In addition to the protective dock in the neighbourhood of the water-lino, beneath which are the engines, boilers, and magazines, casemates protected by six inches of armour are fitted on tho raain deck for the G-inch quick-firing guns. 'IJio annainenfc of the Crescent consists of one 92-inch brcechloading gun on at central pivob mounting, placed on tho upper deck aa far aft as practicable; twolvo 6-inch quick-firing pans, four being mounted on tho main deck, six on tho upper deck, and two on the forecastle capable-of firing right ahead. '•Che auxiliary armament consists of twelve 6;pounder and five 3-pounder quick-firing eons, seven machine guns, and two 9-poundors. The ship is also fitted with fear torpedo tubes—two submerged and two broadside above-water tubes—of the lajiesb design, and will carry a complement of eighbeon new pattern torpodoos. The vessel, which is fitted with t»in screws, will be propelled by two sfts of triple expansion engines, which together will develop 12,000 horse-power. -Ajlargo boat complement being essential % independent cruisers, the Crescent will bs supplied with tho same number and desiription of boats as the first-clasß battleeiips. She will be fitted as an admiral's hjgship, and will take a crew ot about 545 men and officers, for whose requirements and comfort ample accommodation will be provided. |iThe ceremony of naming the vessel was performed by Lady Elizabeth Meade, eldest mushter of Admiral the Earl of Clanvilliam, X.C.8., K.C.M.G., Gommander-ii-Chief at Portsmouth.