THE RUAPEHU-A NEW STEAMER.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11190, 3 February 1902, Page 6

THE RUAPEHU-A NEW STEAMER.

The In«w Zealand Shipping Company's cpti steamer Kuapehu, which arrived it Lyttenon from London, Capetown, Hobart, and we..inston on riarirday last, is ft very tine steamer, somewhat similar in detail >o tne Company's steamer Rimutaka, but with a considerable number of improvements, ihe steamer was under the flag ot the A.iin Une lor some months, being known as ihe Australasian, and made her five voyages to and from Liverpool and Montreal, Utaug the place of the s.s. Bavaria., which was employed in conveying troops to .South Africa. "mc Ruapehu's actual steaming time from London to rt'euington was 42 days 19 J hours, »nich is a. very creditable pertorraaiice. Ihe new steamer is » twin-screw vessel of 77Q4 tons gross and 4956 tons net, and has a la: b e cargo-oarrying capacity. Her passenger aid bearoom accommodation is sivuated in tac Company's usual fashion—first on the bridge deck, second on the main deck, ami the third on the same deck aft. Tne first and second saloons are amidships, the steerage being an, and away from contact with tne crew or other passengers. The first-class bedrooms axe composed chiefly of fcwo-benh caoins, with four three-berth cabins for those who require them. With the exception of four camns,' : they; , are all on the \ouiside, and possess-a large, porthole, <ome with, two, over the settees, but a".ay horn the berths. Five cabins, however, have berths on the outside for those who preier such. Ihere are four very targe inside 9abin«, with splendid separate air trunk*, and partitions carried up to the-ekyligtUs, so that ihe opening of either may fto*. inieifere -with any other cabin. The inside !cttbws have wardrobes,, drawers, and two large mirrors. The outside rooms have a sma-li cheaV-of drawers each, a grevt boon to passengers, the same number of mirrors, and mostly" all a full-length settee, only five of the cabins having ihree-quarter-iengih settees. The second cabin bedrooms are nearly mil onteide, there only being one inside, and are principally of four berths, bui with folding settees, ao thai) should only two persons possess the cabin the other berths make a splendid lounge. There are also twoberth cabins, which are much in' demand. These cabins are large and well ventilatd in various ways, and are deservedly popular. The first saioon, for the> number of passengers, is large and spacious, containing two large tables and four small ones. The music hall is beautifully upholstered and comfortable in every way. The first-class smokeroom is divided into three alcoves, making spleadm recesses for card , parties. The second saloon, on the bridge deck, is large and com-fortaM-e, and minus the .tables and chain makes a rare ballroom. Ihe second-class smokeroom is large and exceedingly snug. The fust-class passengers hive the privilege of the forward part of the promenade deck,' while tne second-class passengers have the after end, but at balls and deck concerts the barriers are thrown aside,- making one grand sweep from end to end, with not even a single ventilator in the way. A. piano has been placed on deck for deck use only. In the: steerage there is a large emokeroom. tabl«», and the dining saloon accommodates eighty at a sitting. The bedrooms are comprised of two ana four-berth cabins, with one, and two ports, ' and three open berth cabin*, with several inside two and' four-berth, . cabins, well Ventilated, and with.- either deck lights or electric. Captain P. Mayose,: &JX.t&~, formerly of the Papanui, is in command, and the following is her fist of offieew:—Chief, Mr. W. Turner; second, Mr SL~Gv K Eaeton; third, Mr E. B. Thonnber;- Mt, E. Kettle; fifth, Mr Miles; midshipmen, Meaere Crawford , and Gage; surgeon, Dr. Smith; chief engineeri Mri j; Black; * second, Mr Snmmerville; third,. :-Mr Scfltt;.;fourth,r ; Mr Steweii';-refrigeratingfengirieers,''Messrs don Turner--and Caulder}. and Mr Bahg^elec-' .trieian; - Mr Fraser is steward in charge , ;