ARRIVAL OF THE WARRIMOO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9013, 19 October 1892, Page 5

ARRIVAL OF THE WARRIMOO.

DURING all yesterday and up till a late hour in the evening, the Queen-street Wharf was fairly alive with people, all ; anxiously awaiting the arrival of the new ' steamer Warrimoo. All were disappointed, ; as the vessel did not arrive in harbour until ;an early hour this morning. The passage ! of the steamer from Plymouth to Sydney ! was made in the fastest time on record, | having been done in 37 days 18 hours. Her trip from Sydney, although not the fastest on record, occupied only 3 days 17£ hours. This is several hours behind the time made by the mail steamer Alameda on I the same run, bub it is by no means a slow one, and proves that the steamer is all that has been said of her steaming qualities. The steamer is commanded by Captain J. C. Arthur, K.N. R., who has with him an excellent staff of officers. On arriving this morning the vessel anchored in the stream, and will berth at the Queen-street Wharf early this morning. She is announced to leave for the South, Hobart, and Melbourne, at noon today. Tho following is a DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRIMOO. So much has been written from home reports, and in anticipation of the arrival of the steamer, that there remains comparatively little that is new to be said. What the public feel the most interest in is that which conduces best towards making first a safe voyage, and next a comfortable one. The matter of speed also counts for a good deal, no doubt. With regard to safety, the vessel is divided into numerous watertight compartments. in order to bring her within the scope of the Admiralty requirements for a troopship and scout, she has to be as nearly unsinkuble as it is possible to build a ship. Built of steel, the Warrimoo is constructed on the threo-deck grade, with long poop extending over engines and boilers, long topgallant forecastle, and a complete water ballast arrangement on the double bottom system. The decks are of specially selected teak wood of unusual thickness, and the strength of the vessel generally is considerably in excess of Lloyd's and Board of Trade rules, tho exceptional weight of the framing admitting of hold beams being dispensed with. Her fine lines, double bottom, numerous watertight compartments, and high rate of speed combine to render the vessel eminently fitted to fly the white ensign should the emergency ever arise. Also with regard to safety from a passenger point of view is the provision made for saving life. In this respect she has eight lifeboats, two of which are constructed of steel, and under the pillow of every passenger 011 board a lifebelt is placed day and night. Then as to comfort. It is one of the most desirable features of passenger steamers that there is plenty of room to move about, whether on deck as a promenade, in the saloon, or in one's own private cabin. Only in vessels of-tho largest size can these very desirable features be secured, and in this particular the Warrimoo stands foremost. Her length is 357 feet over all ; extreme breadth, 42 feet 3 inches ; and depth, moulded, 28 feet; the gross register being 3331) tons. She is fitted with rolling chocks, of steel plates of exceptional width, which will add very much to the comfort of the passengers by diminishing rolling and pitching motions, and the question of ventilation has not been overlooked. In these semi-tropical latitudes pure air and plenty of it are no less vital at sea than an abundance of showerbath accommodation, and an unlimited supply ot fresh water. Those who have excursioned in the steamer as well as those who have voyaged out to Sydney give the palm to her for ventilation. " There is not a stuffy place on board," was the declaration of one of the officers yesterday, and marble baths are provided, with fittings of electro-plated silver to match tho mountings in the saloon and state-rooms. Every berth and compartment, including tho vessel's holds, are ventilated on the latest and most approved methods known to naval architects. The whole of tho passenger accommodation is on the main deck, with alleyways running after from the break of the three-quarter poop, thus affording a fine current of air right through on both sides of tho ship. Toe dining saloon is a magnificent apartment, immediately under the poop. It is 50 feet in length, and its width extends over the whole breadth of the ship. Tho panelling is of chaste design, the polished framing and panels in walnut, maple, and carved oak, presenting a very fine effect. Upwards of 100 revolving chairs, upholstered in blue j Utrecht velvet, are arranged round tho ! tables, and along the port and starboard sides of the saloon there are sofas upholstered to match. The antique sideboards and rich surroundings impart an air of grandeur to the saloon, the effect being heightened by tho subdued light from the tinted glass in a large cupola skylight, which, in addition to tho largo sidelight- - , admits air and light to the apartment. There are about 50 state-rooms all richly furnished, and fitted with patent spring mattresses, iron folding beds, and patent folding lavatory. The upholstery, selected by Mrs. Huddart, wife of the managing owner, is the same as in the dining saloon. There is a complete electric light installation, with reserve engine to meet emergencies, and electric bells are connected with all the berths, fore and aft. The smoking hall, which is on the forward deck, is a handsome apartment, the panelling of which is carried out on slabs of polished vein marble, ornamented with chaste gilded designs between pilasters of Purmazga marble, the whole being surmounted with crimson carmine frieze, with gilded lines. The seats are fitted with arms, the tables are of tinted bronze with marble tops, and the floor is laid with encaustic tiles of bright colours and rich de- ; sign. A richly-furnished boudoir is reserved for the ladies, and there is a spacious music hall mediately over the dining saloon, to which entrance is obtained by a descending corridor of exceptional width, the balustrades being richly carved. There are an exceptional number of fresh water tanks, and machinery capable of condensing upwards of 10,000 gallons is fitted on board. The engines and boilers have been bult by the Wallsend Slipway and Engineering Company, Limited, the cylinders of the former being 33in., fiSin., and 85in., with a stroke of 5Mn., and the four steel boilers working at a pressure of 1051b, on Howden's forced draught system. The diameter of shifting and strength of the engines generally are much in excess of Lloyd's rules. The guaranteed speed is 16 knots per hour ; but, as a matter of fact, the vessel made IGJ knots against the tide, and with her propeller only partially immersed, so that even better results may be anticipated when the ship ie loaded. All the latest improvements have been introduced in connection with the deck appliances, including patent silent winches, three steam whips, Muir and Caldwell's steering gear, stock less anchors, and patent cold air refrigerating machinery for the preservation of dead meat and fruit is also provided.