THE "MOUNTAINEER" STEAMER.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 1106, 13 February 1879, Page 3

THE " MOUNTAINEER" STEAMER.

This fine paddle boat, now being built for the W.ikatip S. N. Company by Messrs Kineaid and M'Queen, of Dunedin, was suc•cessfulfy launched without a hitch on Tueslast at Kingston. The following is a general 'description of her, and although she requires a few interior tilting:*, and some decorations, she is sufficiently advanced to speak of hei as completed : Length of keel, 120 ft. ; length overall, 125 ft ; 'breadth of beam, 10ft.; depth, 7ft. The hull is entirely constructed of iron, combining the greatest strength with lightness and elegance of 'design. The available space has been laid out to the best possible advantage to secure the • greatest carrying capacity and passenger ac•commodatiou. Commencing forward, besides the chain locker, there is the forecastle fitted with sleeping births for the cr.'w. The foreeabin, which is separated from the fore- • castle by a watertight bulkhead, extends back 17 feet, is well lighted, fitted with comfortable ■&eats, and the sides and ceilings are all neatly pauuelied, and everything is being done to secure comfort and convenience. The main hold, occupying the widest part of the hall, •contains the largest possible carrying capacity, •and is separated from the engine and boiler space by a strong watertight bulkhead; this latter space, besides the ordinary keelsons, is •further strengthened by four strong wrought -iron girders i«r keelsons, 12 inches deep and 8 .inches wide, with double angle irons top and k t>»ttoni ; these are running fore and aft and glistened to bulk head with suitable angle irons. 'The whole of the space abaft the engine room, and separated by a watertight bulkhead, is occupied by the saloon and ladies cabin. Particular attention has been given to the arrangement and fitting up of both the ladies'cabin and salcon, •and every improvement to secure comfort and ♦convenience, combined with neatness and T eegance, has been ad>pted. Large framed windows extending the whole length of the ■ saloon, are fitted in both sides at a convenient height from the floor, affording passengers the o >portunity, without rising from their seats, of viewing the magm.icent scenery which lies along the shores of the lake. The deck-line aft for about 40 feet is raised three feet above the line of main deck, and not being encumbered by any skylight there is a large clear deck space •suitable for wool cargoes, &c. The space between the paddle boxes is bridged over for a length of 24ft, and the steering wheel, and telegraph to engine-room conveniently placed thereon. The deck of the bridge and the poop •are surrounded by a handsome double bar iron railing with base board and suitable provision ri* made for gangways on both sides. A double 'cylinder steam winch of approved form is placed before the main hatch, and fitted with -all the necessary re versing gear, brake lever and clutch handles conveniently arranged and mu'e: 'easy control. The galley is placed on forward wing of port paddle box, and fitted with conveniences of the culinary art. The starboard side is fitted for other purposes. On the main deck, besides the usual companions-, there is placed forward the windlass, which is of improved form, combining power and eriieiency w»th simplicity of construction. The engines are madeonthe compound condensing principle, diagonally arranged, substantial in tbeir framing and ample in their bearings. The diameter of the high pressure cylinder is IS inches, and the low pressure is 33 inches diameter; the stroke in each case is 3ft. 6ins. The nominal power is equal to fifty horse, but they are capable of developing a power of four times that amount. Every modern improvement for the most economical and efficient use of steam has been introduced. They are fitted with a variable expansive valve, capable of varying the cut-off irom - 2 to '7 of the stroke, and can be adjusted with perfect exactness while the engines are in motion. The boiler is placed amidsnip between the engines. The high pressure engine is placed on the port side, and the steam pipe connecting the two cylinders passes through the smoke box, whereby the radiation of the heat from the passing steam is effectually prevented and farther economy of heat secured. The boiler is 17 ft. 6 inches long, and 4 ft. 8 inches diamet-:r, and contains 78 tubes 3 inches diameter, and the lire box is 6ft. long by 4ft. wide. Two patent spring safety valves oi an approved construction are fitted to the boiler, and ail the necessary steam and water gauges and other cocks arranged in the most convenient manner. The paddle wheels are most substantial and fitted with feathering float and all the journals are of large. area and working in patent metal bearings. The whole arrangement of ve*-el and machinery are the result of carefii study, and the workmanship employed and material used in the construction are of the very best quality. The rig of *the steamer is that of a fore-and-aft schooner, «*nd the equipment complete in every respect.