The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1867.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume II, Issue 43, 21 February 1867, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1867.

The lengthening of the steamer Wallaby is a local incident worthy of notice, and shows what can be accomplished in reference to shipping repairs and improvements, even under unfavourable circumstances and in a place where the means are supposed to be inadequate to eifect such objects. In this case, all the means had to be supplied. A furnace had to be got up, blocks for turning the plates had to be prepared, as we'll as punching and shearing machines, the principal means of effecting the repairs. It was resolved to add three sister keels, to strengthen the main hold. The object of cutting and lengthening the vessel was to make her easy in her sea way. The addition of 14 feet 6 inches makes her finer forward, and improves her appearance greatly. Tanks have been provided forward, to carry five or six tons of water for cattle, and which keep her down in the head when light. It will be remembered that the Wallaby ran on the Sandspit in October last, when taking cattle from Wanganui to the West Coast. So great were the injuries sustained, that her bottom was raised up at least 18 inches. Her length before the alterations, was 1 06 feet from stem to stern-post ; it is now 119 feet 6 inches. Considerable changes have been made in the deck, and by enlarging the fore-cabin. In the after part a ladies' and officers' cabin have been made, and a captain's cabin has been constructed in the saloon. The vessel will be able to carry under hatches between 50 and 60 head of cattle, for whose preservation every means has been devised. She will carry from 110 to 115 tons of cargo, which is considerable for a vessel of such light draught, her draught aft being six feet, and that forward, four feet. This will enable her to take any bar and harbour, and leave her with few equals for carrying the same cargo with so light a draught. The engines of the Wallaby are nominally 25 horse-power. She carries 16 tons of coal in her bunkers, burning 4 tons 10 cwts. every 24 hours. This enables her to reach any port on the coast with the greatest ease. Her average speed is 7 knots an hour. By the raising of the forecastle deck, a great improvement has been made, and a great deal more room secured. The vessel was brought here for repairs on the 27th October, but was not placed on the blocks until 14 days after, so that the actual time taken in the improvements has been less than four months, a period that will appear small when it is considered that improvements on so large a scale are new to Nelson, and that everything had to be created before a commencement could be made. We understand that the repairs of the Wallaby are estimated to cost £2000. Mr. Brown has had the sole management for the proprietors, Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., who deserve every commendation for the enterprise they have shown in the affair. If so important a work can be effected by mere private enterprise, it is easy to see what advantages would flow to the town if the repairs of ships could be effected on such a scale as would render it unnecessary

for them to be taken to other places. We trust the time is not distant when the town will furnish all the means and appliances needed for the repairs of ships ; so that the money may be spent amongst us, and an impetus given to the various trades which are connected with the shipping interest.