Trial Trip of the s.s. Weka.

Evening Post, Volume XXVI, Issue 83, 5 October 1883, Page 2

Trial Trip of the s.s. Weka.

The s.s. Weka, which has just been built at the Te Aro Foundry by Mossrs. Luke, Sons, and Williams for Messrs. Richardson and Co., of Napier, ran a trial trip of 20 miles or so yesterday afternoon prior to the steamer being formally handed over to her owners. More magnificent weather than that with whioh the occasion was favoured could not possibly have been deairod, tho sky being blue and unclouded, and the sun's warm rays being tempered by a slight **l breeze, while tho harbour presented tho *pV^ poarance of the proverbial mill.pond. It is Hot surprising, therefore, that the opportunity of enjoying an excursion on tho water was eagerly embraced by thoso to whom invitations had been issued. The Woka left the Queen's Wharf shortly after 2 o'clock, having on board about 150 passongeri.no small proportion of whom consisted of juveniles. Tho company included Captain CampboH, part owner and futuro commuidor of tho vessel, Mr. M'Gregor, the Government Inspector, Mr. Charles Seagar, under whoso supervision tho Weka had been constructed, Mr. S. Danks, whose firm has suppliod tho necessary coppor and brosswork, Mr. W. Dawßon, and others. The steamer was under command of Captain Doilo.and a course was steered round Somes Island, aa far as the Heads, and back. The trial was a oomplcto success. Though the engines wero not worked at full speed the whole of the timo tho spoed of nine knots guaranteed by tho contractors was easily accomplished, and, indood, the smart little steamer acquitted herself generally in a manner whioh provoked numerous expressions of admiration. Her enginos wore in charge of Mr. Dobie, formerly of tho a.s. Manaivatn. On the homeward jonrnoy a number of gentlemen assembled in the cabin, where a sorios of toasts appropriate to tho ocasion were duly honoured. The bnildori being, as is well known, adherent* to the principles of teetotaliim, the toasts wore drunk in temperance beverages. In a happy little speech Mr. Charles Luke proposed the health of "The Owners," and tho compli-ment-was acknowledged by Captain Campbell, who, in highly eulogistic terms, expressed his satisfaction with the manner in which the steamer had been turned out. In return he proposed "The Builders," to which toast Mr. William Luke duly responded. Mr. W. Dawson replied to the toast of " Tho commercial interests of Wellin?to»,"andthehcalthof Mr. Soagarand Mr. M'Gregor was also drunk. . The last toaßt was that of " The Press," whioh was proposed by Mr. Samuel Luke, and responded to by Mr. F. Bond, of the Evening Post. Refreshments were handed round at intervals to the whole of the passengors, who appeared to enjoy themselves throughout the trip, excepting when the Weka ventured a little boyond the Heads, thereby turning thoir thoughts in an opposite direction, and tern*

porarily putting a stop to a number of Salvation hymns " that hod beon indulgod in up to this point. The Woka will leave Wellington either to-morrow or at tho commoncomont of next wook, in ordor to tako up her trade at Napior.