THE GOLDEN GROWN.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4180, 6 January 1871, Page 3

THE GOLDEN GROWN.

About four months ago we noticed the launch from the yards of Messrs. Duthie and R033 of the largest and finest paddle steamer ever built in Auckland, and probably in New Zealand — the Golden Crown. ' Since that time the owners, Messrs. J. S. Macfarlane and Co., have spared no expense in fitting her out in the most approved style, and artisans of almost every description have been assiduously engaged in the work. Her engines and machinery, which were manufactured by J. and G. Thomson, of Glasgow, under the supervision of her engineer, Mr. T. MaooroBkie, who was sent to Glasgow for that purpose, were fitted up with remarkable despatch. Their horse power ia 70 each j length' o£ stroke, 4ft., this diameter of the cylinders being 46 inches. The engines are fitted, with expansive gear. She ' has four, multitubular boilers of the most approved style. Her general dimensions we noticed on the occasion, of her lauuch, but a few words are' necessary as to her, saloon laopdmmodation. ''The saloon, which is fcOffclong and 20ft. Jbroad, is fitted v up 'in' *'an ' elegant , and costly manner, the furniture ana fittings being of home manufacture, »ad

on the most modern and approved style. A3 a proof that no expense £as been spared we may mention that the plate alone cost the owners no less than £1,000. Besides the sleeping accommodation which the saloon itself affords, there are about 12 or 14 ladifes' berths right affc, which are provided with conveniences to satisfy the most fastidious. • The steamer is placed in command of Captain Joseph Ellis, late of the Luna, and so long and favourably known in connection with the Thames trade. Considering the popularity of Captain Ellis, we think it unnecessary to make any remark as to the wisdom of the owners' choice. Mr. I Cooper, late chief mate of the barque Kate, is second in command. Mr. Alfred Griffiths, t late of Messrs. McMeckan, Black wood, and Co., .and Captain Cole's steamers, has been appointed providore ; and, with the very efficient staff that he has engaged, will, we have no doubt, give every satisfaction. On December 2, the Golden Crown proceeded on her official trial trip, under the direction of Mr. Stewart, the Government Inspector of Steamers, as far as Brown's Island and back. On the down trip the vessel, though not under a full head of steam, and having a strong N.E. breeze and flood tide to contend against, ran between I2h and 13 knots, and on her return trip ran over 13 knots. The machinery was found to work excellently, hardly any vibration being perceptible in any part of the vessel. Mr. Stewart on her return expressed himself as very highly pleased with the steamer's performance, which he stated far exceeded his expectation, and there was no doubt when the machinery had got iiftto proper working order the Golden Crown would be able to steam her 15 or 16 knots per hour.

Wool : 361 bales (120,5001b.) Cotton : 77 bales (59,6541b.) Cotton Seed : 122 tons Gum (Kauri) : 2,435 bags (247 tons) ... Tallow : 55 casks (21 tons) ... Flax: 359 bales (39 tons) ... Leather : 24 bales (7 tons) ... Whale Oil : 10 caskß (6 tuns) ... Butter : 93 kegs (7,4001b.) ... Hides : 202 hiflea Sundries : 110 ba^s copper 5 boxes curiosities 3 cases machinery 29 bales tow (4 tons) Cocoanut oil 5 casks feet 2 casks bones 1,360 horns £ s. 6,835 2 8,870 0 976 0 7,451 0 460 0 470 0 800 0 370 0 184 0 156 12 60 0 38 0 25 0 17 0 60 0 10 0 7 0 7 0 d. 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q 0 0 0 0 Total value ...£26,806 14 9

The ship Aboukir cleared at; the Customs on December 9, and sailed for London on December 10. The following is the quantity and value of her cargo :—: —