UNION CO.'S STEAMER MAKURA

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 107, 2 November 1908, Page 7

UNION CO.'S STEAMER MAKURA

LOWERS A RECORD. By Telegraph.— Press Association.— Copyright. (Received November 2, 9,20 a.m.) 1 MELBOURNE, This Day. The Union Company's new steamer Makura has arrived after a remarkably fast passage. She lowered the record from Durban with only seven of her eight boilers in use, covering the distance (5569 miles) in 13 days 20 hours, and averaging 16.8 knots all the .way. The Makura is a twin-screw steamer, of 8200 tons gross burthen, and therefore the largest vessel owned by the Union S.S. Company, her principal dimensions being : .Length 450 feet, breadth 58 feet, and depth 35 feet. Her passenger accommodation •is extensive, and includes three classes. The first-class passengers, to the number of 220, are accommodated ajjudships. As the ship will pass from tropical heat to severe cold in the Vancouver run, for which she is intended, special attention has been paid to ventilation and heating. The saloons, lounges, smoking-rooms, etc., all of which are situated on the upper deck, are large and lofty, being decorated in excellent taste. The necessary pantries and bars are arranged close to the saloon, whilst a special pantry has been fitted alongside the lounge for dispensing afternoon tea and other refreshments. The lavatories and bathrooms are on an extensive plan, being fitted with showers, plunge*, etc., for use in warm weather, whilst a barber's shop, provided with all the latest electric and other appliances, is a feature. The second-class accommodation is arranged aft, with the dining saloon in the poop, and the music and smoking rooms above, whilst the third-class is situated on the forward portion of the ship, having similar saloons and other conveniences. All the public rooms throughout the ship are panelled in hardwood and handsomely upholstered. A steam launch, intended for use when the vessel is lying off her ports of call, forms an important item of her equipment. The engines of the Makura, which were supplied by her builders (Alex. Stephen and Sons, of Linthouse, Glasgow), are of what is known as the four-crank type, and balanced on the Schlick-Tweedy system, so as to reduce vibration to a minimum. A comparison shows that the new vessel is about 1800 tons greater in displacement, 30 feet longer, and 5 feet wider than the Marama, which has hitherto held the distinction of being the biggest vessel of the Union line.