NEW STEAMER FOR THE WAIRAU TRADE.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1977, 6 October 1886, Page 2

NEW STEAMER FOR THE WAIRAU TRADE.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of inspecting the plans in detail for the new steamer now being built &t Home for the Union Company for the Blenhcjm river trade. A general outline description of he new steamer appeared in these columns some months ago. From the plans received yesterday by Mr C. _J. Liggjns, the Company’s Blenheim manager, we observe that the new steamer is being built of steel by Denny Bros., of Leven Shipyards, Dumbarton. Her length will be 105 feet, breadth 21 feet, depth of hold 9 feet,and the plans show her to be a neat and well adapted steamer for the trade. She will have two holds, steanj winches and a steam windlass for lifting anchoys Ac. When loaded she will draw from 5 feet to 5 feet Q inches, and she will have a cargo capacity of about 150 tons measurement. In order that she may be able to make smart passages io the Straits in all weathers, she is to be fitted with ballast tank* fore and aft. This will cause her to sink two feet in the water, when outside the bar, thus giving th* projwllor full power at m,

The winches and cargo derricks are to be specially adapted for smart wo'king of cargo in the river. In the passenger accommodation it is shown that the sal on is aft, while the ladies’ cabin wi 1 be under the bridge. Ih3 gentlemen’s saloon will bo fitted with 14 berths and the ladies, ctbin will have 10 berths. The offic n cabins are placed under the bridge, leading out t> the fore deck. The crew will have quarters in the fore part of the ship where a’so will be placed the chain lockers, lamp room, etc Th 6 new steamer will carry two boats on the bridgo, and she will be steered from the bridge. She is to be furnished throughout in the usual luxurious sty’e of the Union s.s. Comp nv, and the name of her builders is sufficient guarantee that she will be a well constructed boat. In appearance, as s' o.vn by the pi ins, the new steamer is an o.ean steamer on a small scale, and, no doubt, when she arrives in these w iters she wilt justify our anticipations and prove to be a s'eimer that the district will hive pride in. The. increased pasSige and cargo accommodation will be .an advantage prized alike by the travel* ling public and local shippers. Ihe planmay be seen in Mr Falconer’s shop window.