THE STEAMER GAIRLOCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 10010, 23 December 1895, Page 5

THE STEAMER GAIRLOCH.

AN EXTENSIVE OVERHAUL. The Northern Company's steamer Gairloeh hM been laid np at this port during the past throe months, and has undergone a thorough overhaul, including extensive additions to the passenger accommodation, and acompleterenovation in all departments. The bridge deok has been lengthened considerably, and makes quito a nice promonade. Situated on this deck is a large house, the forward part of which has been converted into a roomy and comfortable smokingroom, upholstered in blue, with electric bells, and all conveniences. In the after-part is the captain's cabin, whioh is neatly fittod, and has quito a cozy appearance. Between the two rooms, with doorways on each side, is the entrance to the main saloon, which is reached by a staircase, with polished wooden handrails and brass fittings. The saloon has been extensively enlarged, and the fittings completely renewed. It is upholstered in maroon velvet, and all the fittings are of electroplate. Ib is now a very spacious aparbment, and everything is in the same style as on the larger passenger steamers. The ladioß' cabin is in the afterparli of tho saloon, and has also been entirely reconstructed, besides being enlarged, there being now berthing accommodation for fourteen ladies. The upholstering is of olivo green, with curtains and nil necessary fittings. Extra attention has also been given to tho luvatory arrangements, whioh are of the most perfect kind. The steorage passenger accommodation has been considerably enlarged, there beingsepa- |! rato state rooms for ladies. The engines and |, boilers have been subjected to a thorough overhaul and renovation. The officers' quarters have been also overhauled, and are situated below aft, each officer having a separate room, while the crew have very comfortable quarters right forward, The management of the company have spared no expense in carrying out the alterations and overhaul to the steamer j which is now in as good a state in all departments, and, in some respects, superior to when she was first) launched. Several thousands of pounds must have boon expended on the Gairloeh during the tirao she has been laid up, and ib is to be hoped that bho company will receive every encouragement from tho travelling public in their efforts to keep their steamers up to all modern requirements. In carrying out the ovorhaul to the Gairloeh everything has been done to comply with the law relating to passenger-carrying ships. The popular captain, \V. F. horbury, retains command, with Mr. R. Massey, as chief engineer. Mr. C. Wigley, who made quito a namo for himself in tho Gairloeh while engaged in the OnohungaNew Plymouth trade, is in charge of the steward's department, which is sufficient guarantee that the convenience of passengers will be fully considered. Tomorrow tho Gairloeh will tako up the running in the Thames trade, and will also leave on Wednesday and Fridty for tho same place, carrying excursionists to the Thames races.