THE TRIAL TRIP OF THE WAIMARIE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10111, 21 April 1896, Page 5

THE TRIAL TRIP OF THE WAIMARIE.

The new Northern Company's steamer Waimarie, Which has been specially built for the trade between Auckland and the Upper Thames, underwent a very satisfactory trial trip in the harbour yesterday afternoon. There were a large number of gentlemen interested in the company on board, including Mr. C. P.anson (manager), Captain H. F. Anderson (one of the directors), Messrs. W, Laird (ohief engineer Clansman), Wrigley (s.s. Iona), S. D. Hanna (manager of the Freezing Works), T. Henderson (Union S.S. Company), J. Logan (Macky, Logan, Steen, and Co.), and others. Leaving the Queen-street Wharf the Waimarie steamed slowly down the harbour, and then returned up again past the Queen-street Wharf, the steamer being turned round several times during the trip, and it was a matter for comment by those on board how quickly and evenly the vessel answered her helm. From the end of the Queen-street Wharf the time was taken to tlio Bean Rock Lighthouse, the distance being about three nautical miles, and was accomplished in about 18 minutes, giving an average of 10 knots. Tlio return journey, against wind and tide, took some minutes longer, but ib was computed by the engineering authorities on board that the average was 10'5 knots with and against) the tide, which is considered very satisfactory. The vibrations from the engines was hardly perceptible to those on board during the whole time, so evenly and smoothly did everything work.

The Waimarie was built by Mr. R. Logan, senr., of tho North Shore, and was launched from his yard on the reclamation near the Freezing Works, in February last.. She is constructed on the diagonal principle, with three skins, and is copper fastened throughout. Nothing bub the best of material has been used in tho construction of the vessel, Mr. Logan taking special care that all tho timber used was of the best and properly seasoned. The engines are twin-screw, compound, surface condensing, the cylinders being 12 inches and 24 inches, and the stroke 12 inches, making 155 revolutions per minute. A Worbhington pump (which is the most modern invention) is fitted, and is capable of discharging 7500 gallons of water per hour from the ballast tanks with which the steamer is fitted, for the purpose of trimming her for the Thames River trade. The boiler is of the multitubular, doublefurnaco type, and is of mild steel, carrying a pressure of llOlbs per square inch, and is Oft Gin by 9fb Sin. The engines and boiler have been built and erected by Messrs. A. and 0. Price, of the Thames, Mr. Frank Gibbons having had the supervision of the work. Thoy are a fine specimen of workmanship, and tho Messrs. Price are to bo congratulated upon having turned out such good work. The vessel is entirely lighted by electricity, being the first boat of tho Northern Steamship Company's fleet to be so illuminated. A large arc lamp is fitted at the masthead, and is provided with a reflector so arranged as to throw all tho light ahead of the vessel. It is to be usod to facilitate navigation by nighb and during foggy or thick weather on the Thames river. The steam power for driving the electrical machinery is taken from the ship's boiler, a separate engine being, however, provided to drive the dynamo. The electric lighting plant was supplied by Messrs. ,T. Chambers and Son, the work being carried ont under the personal supervision of Mr. E. J. Fenn, A.I.E.E. The saloon, which extends about twothirds of tho length of the steamer, and the wholo breadth, has sleeping accommodation for about 70 persons. The upholstery and fittings are in crimson velvet, and give a very comfortable appearance. Curtains are fitted to each b 'rth, so as to give as much privacy as possible. Right aft of the saloon is a very neatly-fitted card room, with two tables and all requirements. There is a very comfortable ladies' saloon at tho fore end of the saloon, with sleeping accommodation for 20, nicely fitted in crimson velvet, with all necessary lavatory conveniences. The poop dock is fitted with sparred seats, and lies room for a very largo number of passengers to be comfortably soated, arrangements being made for necessary awnings, etc., that everyone should be made comfortable. A feature throughout the steamer is the arrangements for sanitary and ventilation purposes. There is one tank holding about 400 gallons of fresh water, while two other tanks are connected with tiio engine room, providing for a considerable supply of water for the washstands, lavatory, etc., it being tho intention to keep all these places continually flushed. The Waimario is rigged with twopolomasts, with two derricks fitted to each. There are two steam winches on deck for tho rapid loading and discharging of cargo. Tho dimensions of tho new steamer are Length overall, 123 feet, keel, 106 feet; beam, 22 feet: depth of hold, 8 feet 6 inches, She is fitted with two holds, and will carry about 200 tons of cargo on a draught of 5 feet 9 inches, or when light 4 foot 6 inches. She is fitted with a fore and aft tank, so as to enable tho steamer to be lightened at either end, as circumstances demand. Tho steamer has been constructed from the designs of Mr. J. G. Trevithick ; the joinery work has been dono by Mr. E. Hines, of tho North Shore, whilst tho upholstery work has been carried out by Messrs. Winks and Hall, of Shortlandstreet. Tho construction of tho steamer has been carried out under the personal supervision of Mr. Hanson, who expresses himsolf as being perfectly satisfied with the manner in which Mr. Logan has fulfilled his contract, nothing but tho best) of material and first-class workmanship having bcon employed throughout. Altogether, the Waimarie is about as complete a vessel for the trade in which she is to bo employed as could bo built, and she should no doubt prove very successful, both as a comfortable passenger steamer and good carrier.

Captain W, Sullivan, late of the Paeroa, and who beon connected with the Upper Thames trade, is in charge, Mr. Richards being first mate, and Mr. Fuller is in charsfo of the engine-room.