THE SS PUKAKI

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 6007, 10 October 1887, Page 2

THE S S PUKAKI

is expected to arrive here in a few days to take in a cargo of coal. As we are informed, she must come here any way, as she has some locomotives on board for the Midland Railway contractors. But they who have control of her need have no apprehension as to bringing her here. Thera is plenty of water on the bar to float her, although she does carry 1700 tons, and" ample room at the gadget to lopcl her, though we have heard doubts exprcE cd as to the feasibility ; but as lonfj as Mr Chambers, who is really the best possible judge on all such matters, raises no aiarm, the Pukaki can come on, and if she comes here she is certain to go away with a full cargo of coal. Sho is the most magnificent specimen jf a collier that has probably ever come to the shores of New Zealand. She is 230 ft Ions;, 30ft beam, and 18ft 6in in depth. She has three hatches, two forward and one aft. The two forward ones are 38ft from centre to centre. The after hatch is 24ffc lono; and 12ft wide ; the main hatch is 20ft long and 12ft wide ; and the fore hatch Is 12ft long and 10ft wide ; and each hutch is provided with a steam winch. The centre of the after hatch is 106 ft from the centre of the main hatch. The first-class cabin is abaft the foremrist, and contains 10 berths for gentlemen, besides a ladies' cabin. There ar; two tables in ihe cabin, which run fore rind aft. There are also a number of staterooms. The second cabin is aft, and is also provided with staterooms, which contain 12 berths for gentlemen, besides a ladies' cabin with a*commodation for six. All the forwarl part of the vessel is taken up a? quarters for the seamen, carpenter, and some others of the ship's company. The engineers and officers of the ship find quarters in handsome cabins on the starboard side, the porh .side being occupied by Btaterooms c or saloon passengers. Altogather the Pukaki must be considered the finest specimen (as a collier), of marine architecture that the U S.S. Company have ever imported into New Zealand waters. . It is to be hoped that her future success may correspond with her excellent qualities in every other respect. ;