THE HUDDART-PARKER NEW STEAMER WESTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10406, 2 April 1897, Page 6

THE HUDDART-PARKER NEW STEAMER WESTRALIA.

The new Huddart-Parker steamer Westralia arrived ab Sydney from London on March 22. The Westralia was builb by Mr. James Laing, of Sunderland on the Wear. Her dimensions are:—Length between perpendiculars, 327 feet; extreme breadth, 41 feet: moulded depth, 23 feet. Her engines are triple expansion of 2500 b.p. indicated, and give the vessel a speed of 13 knots loaded ab sea, so that when required she should easily average her 14 knots between Sydney and Melbourne. The Westralia in appearance is like an enlarged Tasmania, bub she possesses improved characteristics even on that fine vessel. She is handsomely modelled, her lines being exceptionally pleasing, and under way, especially at sea, she will present an imposing appearance, and look what) she has proved herself to be — a powerful liner and au exceptionally easy seaboat. She is fore-and-aft schooner rigged. Regarding her saloon accommodation the vessel is superbly fitted in the most artistic style and yet with substantial and durable material. The grand dining saloon is right forward on tbe upper deck at the break of the long poop, and is situatod in an immense steel bouse, with oblong windows all round. The fittings are principally hand-carved in oak and polished teak. In the centre is an immense dome, giving an idea of great height), and this with its cathedral-tinted glass, which sheds a subdued light, which has an exceptionally pleasing effect wben taken with the surroundings. The dome is supported by fluted pilasters in polishod oak, while the ceiling w in white anil gold. The windows are curtained bo match the finishing and carpets. The entrance to the saloon is particularly handsome and convenient, the woodwork of [the vestibule being of tesk framing, with oak panels. The awing doors are of handsomely-designed cathedral glass set in hardwood frames. Tho dining saloon, to seat 76, is certainly a handsome compartment, the design and fittings showing excellent! taste, without the suspicion of meretricious adornment. The sideboard is a splendid piece of carved oak furniture, with lower panels carved in oak. Facing the sideboard is a Coliard and Coliard piano, specially designed for the ship to harmonise with tbe rest of tbe fitting. Ab the entrance to the grand saloon, on tho starboard side, is the pantry, containing all the requirements for a great vessel like the Wettralia. Opposite, on the port aide, is the bar and a comfortable little lounge. Descending to tbe main deck an exit through a steel door to the open well dock at the fore hatch ia seen, and thence extending right away aft ia a wide passage, containing on one side the state berths of the gentlemen. Right forward, however, are the lavatories, berths, etc., in amplo number for all requirements. Ventilation is a great feature in every part of the vessel, and in tho sleeping berths there is a coolness which promises well for sound sleeping at sea. The elate berths uro fitted for two or four passengers, and even for tho latter they are exceptionally Urge, and fitted with double washstands, etc. On thestarboard side are tho ladies' state berths, baths, lavatories, etc, and a most luxuriously fitted boudoir, a large reading room, and library, Their state berths are similar to those on the gentlemen's side. Thoy are large for a merchant vessel, and are cloan and plainly but neatly furnished. As stated, the ventilation is perfect, and each cabin has a large port, while each two of tho cabins is divided by a short passage with large port, The whole of tbe state bertha are fitted throughout with Hosking's Orient spring mattresses. Entering a bright and attractive untorooin, with cushioned seats around it, a wide companion is reached, and ascending this to a steel house on the poop desk aft the social hall is reached. This is fitted in walnut and oak, and the furnishing of the settees, etc., are in terra cotta Utrecht velvet, the windows each having a design commemorative of some of the great composers. The after part of this house ia devoted to a smoking compartment, with marble tables and fitted in marble panels, and with morocco furnishings to the seats. Forward of the well deck is tho accommodation for second-class passengers, whose comfort has been carefully studied. The bath-rooms are ample. The lavatories have marble-top benches, and the bunks are iron, with Hosking'e oriental mattresses. The isolation of the women'scabins from the men's is complete. There are four hatches, and 10 of Clarke Chapman's winches, two of whicn are friction, for handling the cargo. In tho engineroom the same study of efficiency has been made. The engines ate of 2500 horse-power triple expansion, with cylinders ol 25, 46J, and 68 inches diameter, and 45 inche? stroke. The main boilers are doubleended, of 15 feet 3 inches diameter, and 17 feet long, working up to a pressure of 1801b per square inch. There is also a multitnbular donkey boiler carrying the name pressure. The engines are fitted with Brown's patent reversing gear, that is almost instantaneous in its action. Among the auxiliary engines are two for supplying the 275 electric lights throughout the ship. One of these only is necessary, but the second engine is kept as a stand-by. Weir's patenb feed pumps, a patent feed water filter to prevent grease from getting into the boilers and engines connected with the water ballast, sanitary arrangement*, and refrigerating chambers, and numerous other purposes, are provided, and all are ot the latest and most approved patterns. The propeller is mide%f manganeia bronze and drives the Westralia ab the rate of 13 knots. Modern appliances for navigation, in the shape of a patenb anchor and Muir and Caldwoll's steam-steering gear, are to be seen in the ship, and tho navigation bridge, 28ft> above the deck, Rivei the officer on watch a perfectly uninterrupted view from stem to stern.