LAUNCH OF THE P.S. 'ENTERPRISE.'

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXI, Issue 2582, 27 October 1865, Page 5

LAUNCH OF THE P.S. 'ENTERPRISE.'

The new paddle steamer 'Enterprise,' built by Messrs. Holmes Brothers, North Slioro, whs launched from their ship-building yard, yesterday, iv the presence of a large number of spectator*. The ' Enterprise' has been constructed with the view of •upplying tho inhabitants of the North Shore with a regular ferry service, and to supplement the service now performed by the Waitemata Company's steamboat. Tht ' Enterprise 1 is one of the best vessels turned out of the Auckland building yards, and is certainly a credit to her builders. She is 70 feet long by 8 feet, and capable of carrying 200 passengers. She is of American pattern, has Hue lines, and is pointed at both ends. She is fitted up with two superior cabini, which afford accommodation for 50 persons, aud present) a very comfortable appearance. Her depth of hold is 5 feet, and length 70 feet. Her breadth of beam 8 feet, and leugth overall 78 feet; her engines, which are expected to arrive iv the brig 'Emma Fresoott,' which left Melbourne for this port on the 15th instant, are of 20-horse power, and are supplied by a multitubular boiler. Tho steering apparatus is conveniently fixed on the bridge of Ihe vessel, and out of all reach of interference. We understand she will b» ready for sea iv three weeks after the arrival of her machinery, which may now be daily expected, when she will ply between A uckland and the North Shore from 7.60 a m. until 8 p.m. daily. The ceremony of launching and christening the above vessel was very successfully performed yesterday. The tide serving, at 11.45 the dog shores wer« knocked asunder, and the vessel glided gracefully into the water, amidst the cheers of the spectators. Mrs. C«ptain Minnett performed the ceremony of christening with the usual formality, naming the vessel the ' Enterprise' as she broke the bottle over its hows. The ceremony over, the company retired to the Flagstaff Hotel, where luncheon was provided by her owners. The cloth having been removed, Mr. Jerome Cadman was unanimously voted to .the chair, and tbe usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given and responded to, including " The Queen," "The Eoyal Family," "The Army, Navy, aud Volunteers " The latter was responded to by Captaiu Fitzgibbon, on behalf of tho Auckland Volunteers. That gentleman remarked, that they had on every occasion done their duty, and were still prepared to do so should occasion require. The toast of "The Governor" was next drunk, followed by " The Superintendent of the Province," which vas given by the Chairman in an appropriate speech. He said he was glad to propose the toa&t, because his Honor began his Superintendency with the launching of the vessel He was quite sure they bad iv Mr. tVbitaker an efficient and wise counsellor, and he was glad that the province had been saved the trouble and turmoil of a contest. The toast was drunk with musical honours. The Chairman next proposed, "Success to the ' Enterprise. 1 " He remembered the time when they had no boat or ship-building yards, but now they could count them by the dozen. As a proof that they were capable of building vessels well and faithfully, it need only be known that they were in the habit of supplying Sydney with fast sailing vessels. To those who had seen the tea-tree growing in the province, and on that shore, it would seem almost incredible that they should be able to build vessels and steamers of the size which had been turned out. They had heard of the spirit and enterprise of the backwoods, but that was nothing compared with the enterprise of Auckland, where they had seen ship-yards aud splendid mansions spring up in the place where nothing but teatree grew until very recently. He trusted, with those present, that the ' Enterprise' would prove a profitable vessel, and do her work satisfactorily. Mr. James Holmes (one of the builders) responded to the toast, thanking those present »n behalf of himself and brothers for the way they had received tho ' Enterprise,' and would add that he believed they had secured the services of one of the beat engineers and captains. Mr. Batch (engineer) also responded to the toast, stating that the intention of the owners was to stick to the ferry service, and oblige the public, instead of running any where and ererywhere. The Chairman then briefly proposed "The builders of the ' Enterprise ';" which was responded to by Mr. John' Holmks. He thanked the gentlemen present for the honour they had conferred upon the builders then by drinking their healths so cordially. The toast of "The workmen " was next given by the CHAiKMAN.and suitably acknowledged by Mr. W. Holuis, who hoped it would not be long ere they had 'Enterprise' Nos. 2 and 3 on the slip. Mr. Flbmino, in a brief speech, bore testimony to the excellent workmanship turned out of Messrs, Holmes's building yards. " The Agricultural Interest " having been given and responded to, Mr. Blakrt proposed " The health of the Chairman;" remarking that he was one who had been fighting their battles for the past six years, and they could have no objection to hid continuing to do so for lix yean longer. He had already gained the respect and esteem of all. Tbe Chaibvan having suitably acknowledged the compliment, the company separated.