LAUNCH OF A STEAMER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVI, Issue 5443, 28 April 1879, Page 4

LAUNCH OF A STEAMER.

In accordance with tho advertisement, the steamer that Messrs. Holmes Brothers, of the North Shore, have been building for the Coromandci Steamboat Company, was launched on Saturday morning from tho yards of the builders, in the presence of a large number of shareholders and friends, many of the former having come up on the previous day from the goldfields to witness the ceremony. More interest was centred in the affair than usual, iu consequence of the steamer being owned by an Auckland and Coromr.ndel proprietary on a cooperative princi])le. The residents of Coromaudel have long been dissatisfied with the irregular steam comriuuication Jjetween their township and Auckland, and the trade being sufficient to maintain a good steamer, they decided to have an interest in the management of a boat—hence the building of the present one. About 10 a.m., everything being iu readiness, the word to knock away the shores was given, and Miss Braund, the daughter of Captain Braund. one of the largest shareholders and future master of the boat, stepped forward, and, breaking tho customary bottle of champagne over the bows, christened her the 4< Coromandel," amid the cheers of all present. The launch was broadside on, and she took the water grandly without a hitch of any kiud. The steamer has been built by Messrs. Holmes on the diagonal principle, similar to tho numerous steamers tney have turned out, viz., the Durham, Clyde, Mohaka, and others that are now trading successfully iu the various parts of the colony. - The length of J the Coromandel i3—loo feet on the keel, 19S j feet overall, 16 feet beam, and G\ feet depth of hold, with a large saloon on deckT This latter ,is situated midships, is 32 feet loug, the width of the ressel, and is capablo of comfortably seating from 45 to 50 passengers. It will be fitted in light pannelliag and cedar wood 3, the upholstery in hair-cloth, and when fiuished will be neat and comfortable, without any pretentions to grandeur. In the after part of the saloon is the ladies' department, lavatory, and all the necessary conveniences ; while on the port side of the companion is the steward's pantry. So that there is nothing wanting that is likely to add to the comfort of travellers. The steerage is aft, and will be fitted with plain sleeping berths, &c., to accommodate from 15 to 20 passengers. The machinery of the steamer 13 being made by Messrs. Price Brothers, of tho Thames, aud consists of compound surface condensing engines, the high-pressure cylinder being 13 inches, and the low 23 inches, with a stroke of 15 inches. The boiler is multitubular, 5J feet by 9 feet, sufficient to generate 70lbs. of steam to the square inch. The machinery is to be of sufficient power to drive her from 9 to 10 knots per hour—a speed that it is expected she will make with a propeller that will give from 130 to 140 revolutions per minute. The steamer is schooner-rigged, and is sufficiently advanced to be towed to tho Thames in the course of a few days to receive the machinery. The vessel is expected to make her maiden trip in the course of a mouth, and it is to be hoped that she wili be a success in every way, do credit to her builders, and be a pecuniary success to tho company who own her.