ARRIVAL OF THE WAIRARE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9816, 27 August 1897, Page 6

ARRIVAL OF THE WAIRARE.

The latest addition to the Union Company's fleet;—the s.s. VVaikare—arrived early yesterday morning from Glasgow via ports of call and Dunedin. The Waikare is built expre33ly for. the intercolonial trade. Her dimensions are—Length 310 ft, breadth 41ft, depth 24ft. Her gross tonnage is 3070. She is of steel on the cellular bottom principle, with five water-tight compartments and provision for 350 tons of water ballast. Everything possible has been done for the convenience of her passengers, of which she is 6tted to carry 150 saloon and 120 steerage. Her saloon is on the main deck, and id approached by a handsome double stairway from the social hall. Electrical fans have been fitted to drive any hot air from the diningroonr. The same con • trivance has been fitted in other parts of the ship, including the smoking-room, and the machinery can be set in motion by simply switching it on. In place of the usual long tables in the dining-room little tables to accommodate five persons have been provided. This is a decided advantage, and friends or family parties travelling will thus be able to secure a certain amount of privacy. Over each table is a small electric call bell. The bar is at the fore end of the saloon but not opening into it. It is fitted with cool chambers, ice filters, &c. The couches, revolving chairs, &c, are all covered with coloured and figured plush. By a special arrangement the pantry is fitted with hot plates and every requisite, and a splendid service of plate is kept on board in a special room. There is also an electric machine for cleaning the plate. Just forward of the saloon is the children's messroom, a very convenient compartment. The staterooms are lofty and well ventilated. They contain four berths each, and are luxuriously fitted up with velvet cushions, marble washstands, electric-lighting and communication for each room, racks for lifebelts, &c. The lavatories are of the latest design, the doorf all close 'automatically, and sprays of sweet scented water are particularly pleasant. The bathroom and lavatorinm are supplied with every luxury. Hot or cold, plunge or shower baths of fresh or salt water, spray baths, and in fact every luxury in the shape of baths can be had for the mere, turning of handles. The smoking room is aft of the music hall. It is fitted with an electric fan to carry away the smoke. Matches are not required here, as little electric cigar and pipe lighters bang round the wall. A number of marble topped tables are arranged round the room, with luxurious armchairs covered with baffnlo hide. Abaft the smoking room is another lavatory. The music hall is a very handsome apartment The panelling is of polished wood, and the settees are upholstered in 6gured relief. The piano stands in the centre. At the afterend is a mirvor, and on either side of this is a special two-berth state-room. There are a number of state-rooms on the main deck for those passengers who prefer them. The engineers and officers have their quarters under the shade deck, and here are to be found the galley, fitted with every convenience, the bakers' and butchers' shops, store rooms, &c. The wheelhouse is on th c shade deck forward, and just aft of it is the captain's room, fitted in the latest style. At various points along the passages hand grenades for use in case of fire are kept in racks. Fire hose is also plentiful, and there are a number of water-tight doors. The : steerage accommodation is no doubt a strong

point in this vessel. It can only be designated as excellent. It is fitted with revolving chairs, handsomely upholstered, and three long dining tables. The sleeping berths are all in enclosed cabins, with four berths in each. The lavatories, bath rooms, &c, are practically fitted the same as those for aaloon passengers, with marble-topped washstands, baths, &o. There are three large electric faus, and the hold of the steamer has also been specially constructed for carrying fruit, the system of electric fans keeping all the chambers beautifully cool. Ventilation has been made one of the special features of the steamer throughout, and the passengers by this boat will have the luxury of enjoying the fresh air by means of the portholes being constantly open. There is a library on board containing about 130 books. On deck the very latest and most improved appliances are in use for handling cargo. There are four holds, served by powerful hydraulic lifts. The steering gear is Brown's patent. Her engines are of the triple expansion type, witli cylinders of 26.Jin, 42in and 6t£in diameter. Taken all through the Waikare is an exceptionally fine vessel. In building her the Union Company have eclipsed all their previous efforts, and will doubtless be fully compensated for their venture by the additional numSer of passengers she will attract. She is in charge of the well-known and-popular Captain John Anderson, late of the Manapouri. She Bailed last night for Sydney via Wellington, with cargo aud passengers. During yesterday the steamer was thrown open for inspection, a charge of cd admission being made for the benefit of the Seamen's Rest at Lyttelton.