LAUNCH OF A STEAMER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11541, 28 November 1900, Page 5

LAUNCH OF A STEAMER.

Mr. R. Logan, sen., launched from his yards, Custom-street West, yesterday, morning, the steamer Countess, which has been built to the order of the Wellington Steam Ferry Company, and which is intended to run in conjunction with the s.s. Duchess, at Wellington. The launch was very successful, the steamer going off the ways without a hitch. The Countess, which has been very faithfully built, nothing but the best of materials being empolyed, has a very handsome appearance, and having been built under cover, all her timbers are well seasoned. She has been built on the diagonal principle, with three skins. The floor timbers are of pohutukawa, the other timbers and planking being of the best heart of kauri. On the lower deck, aft, is a cabin for the lady passengers, fitted with every convenience. The main saloon is on the same deck, and is situated forward of the engine-room, and is nicely furnished. The upper deck runs right fore and aft of the steamer, and is left quite clear for the convenience of passengers. The steamer measures 105 ft overall, and has a beam of 19ft, with a depth of Bft. Shortly after the steamei was launched she was taken in tow by the s.s. Admiral for the Thames, where her engines and boiler are to be fitted by Messrs. A. and Or. Price. The engines, which are on the compound, surface-condensing principle, are expected to give the steamer a speed of between 11 and 12 knots. When the steamer's machinery is fitted she will undergo a trial in the harbour, and will then proceed to Wellington, it being expected that she will be ready to take up her running in Wellintgon in time for the Christmas holidays. Mr. Logan is to be congratulated upon turning out such a fine vessel, and there is no doubt that she will prove a satisfactory vessel both to her owners and all concerned.