THE NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALASIAN S.S. COMPANY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 303, 21 December 1892, Page 4

THE NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALASIAN S.S. COMPANY.

ARRIVAL OF THE MIOWERA.

The latest addition to the intercolonial fleet) of trading stoamers arrived in port I nnnT rDInK frOm S>'dney the new 6,000 ton Btearaer Miowera of the New Zealand and Australasian S S Company's line. The Miowera (signifying Emuin Australian) on her initial voyage in the New Zealand trade did the trip across in 3 days 20 hours ; a very good time considering sho has just completed a 13 000 mile passage oub from England, and has nob been docked since leaving the builder's yard. She is to run in conjunction with her (tister ship the Warrimoo in this trade, and will keep up a regular running between New Zealand and Australia. On her voyage out from London, a report of which we have already published, sho maintained an average speed of 12£ knots on tho daily consumption of 36 tons of coals. On that voyage she was in deep trim, as sho had on board 2,000 tons general merchandise, beside sufficient coal for the outward run. Though sho is built on the same lineß as tho Warrimoo, there are minor improvements made in the passenger space of the ship, the saloon fittings, lavatory accommodation, and the staterooms, all tending to render shipboard life more comfortable to the traveller. The thorough ventilation ot the vessel from end to end, and in and through each cabin and compartment, iB compassed by a special system, and in warm weather or in tropical latitudes, this abundance of fresh air will be appreciated. The saloon and state cabins are fitted up and furnished in luxurious style. The dining saloon and staterooms are on the main deck. The forrnor is 50ft- in length and the full width of the vessel. The general effect is tasteful and elegant. Polished wooda have been freely made une of in the fittings, and the rich hangings and expensive cut Utrecht velvet employed in the upholstery work add to tho general sumptuousnesa of tho apartment. Tho saloon is lib by a large stainedgla»s cupola or skylight of beautiful design, and the social hall or lounge over the saloon ia luxuriously appointed. There are marble baths and lavatories, and the appointments of the various cabins are those of a (irst-claiss hotel. Theelectric light is installed throughout, and each cabin has its electric bell. \ The saloon can dine 120 passengers comfortably. For the ladies there is a handsome boudoir, and for tho gentlemen there is a smoking-room, the latter being very cosy and comfortable in its arrangements. As already stated, passenger comfort and convenience has been made a special study, both infirst-claas and second-class accommodation. The engines were built by the wellknown Wallsend Shipway and Engineering Company, and on the trial tripthey developed a speed of a quarter of a knot per hour more i than the Warrimoo. The vessel is rigged with three light spars stepped without yards, in accordance with the most modern practice, but capable of carrying sufficient canvas in the chape of three trysails to steady her in a heavy beam sea. On each side of the funnel is a large metal cross bearing a representation of the five etars which form the Southern Cross, the whole design giving a picturesque finish to the appearance of the steamer as seen from the land. The patent mechanical appliances on board for labour saving and for the ensuring of safety are the best and newest of their kind, aud there are tho usual mechanical arrangements for cargo haulage. In the matter of safety it may be mentioned that the Miowera belongs to the description of vessels termed unsinkable, from the numoroua watertight compartmentstinto which she in partitioned. There is qpite an array of lifeboats at tho davits, and two of these aro of steel. A lifebelt is also provided for each passenger. Captain James Stott, well-known in the New Zealand trade as master of several of the Union Company's steamers, is in command, and tho following officors are associated with him : — Herbert Perry, tirsc officer ; C. F. S. Maundrell, second officer ; E. VV. Cleveland, third officor; B. H. Ashford, fourth officer; J. Munro, purser; R. Farrell, chief engineer; 14. Vincent, second engineer ; E. Smith, third engineer ; W, McNeil, fourth engineer ; F. Whittingham, chief steward. Of the trip across from Sydney the purser reports that the Miowera cleared Sydney Heads at 3.15 p.m. on the 17th inst., and entered Auckland Heads at 11 a.m. She experienced strong S. W. winds with heavy rain for the first 12 hours, fchenco fine weather to arrival. She leaves again for Southern ports. Hobart and Melbourne at 9 a.m. to-morrow.