NEW STEAMER FOR AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12105, 27 October 1902, Page 5

NEW STEAMER FOR AUCKLAND.

ARRIVAL OF TUB CLAYMORE. TUB steamer Claymore, recently built in Scotland to the order of the McGregor Steamship Company, arrived from Glasgow, Capetown, and Ilobart, last night, her arrival and berthing at the wharf being witnessed bv a large crowd of sight-seers, who heartily cheered as the steamer came alongside. Early ! in the afternoon the steamer Orewa left the harbour, having on board a large party ot gentlemen interested in the snipping and mercantile interests of Auckland, to meet the Claymore, news having been received ol her being on the coast, ine Claymore was KfcUen in with a short distance this side of the Kawau, and presented a very pretty appearance, and hearty cheers were exchanged between those on "board of th» two steamers, which came on to port in company, reaching the wharf shortly alter nine p.m. The Claymore is a handsome little vessel, and has acquitted herself remarkably ell on her long voyage, the actual steaming time being only 83 clays, which is the best performance of any steamer of her class between the two ports. * All on board speak in high terms of her as a sea boat, and the great absence ol vibration when under steam. The Claymore was built by Messrs. Murdoch and Murray, of Port Glasgow, to the order of the McGregor .Steamship Company, and was launched on June 3 last, lining christened bv Miss Jenny Campbell, the daughter of Mr. William Campbell, of Port Glasgow, one of the owners ol the steamer. Ib.e hull is ot mild steel, and the vessel was built under the British Corporation Survey for first-class. She is 113 ft long, with a beam of 21tt, and will carry a large cargo on a light draught. Tlio saloon is amidships below, is tho lull width of the vessel, and both roomy and lofty, malting it cool and comfortable even in the hottest weather. The panelling is in walnut and oak, and the upholstering in red Utrecht velvet. There is a ladies' cabin oil the saloon, which is roomy and comfortable, upholstered in blue velvet, and fitted with every necessary convenience. There is another small cabin for ladies on deck, fitted up in a similar manner. There is a roomy aftercabin, which is also nicely fitted. There is fine deck space aft, where passengers will be able to promenade, and will also be found very useful during the excursion season, giving plentv of room for a large number of passengers to be carried without being inconvenienced. The engines were made and fitted by Messrs. Muir and Houston, of Port Glasgow, and are on the triple-expansion principle, the boiler working at 1801b pressure. The engines will give the steamer a high rate of speed, and throughout the long voyage worked excellently, not a hitch occurring at any time. 'Die electric light is installed throughout the steamer, and when lighted up presents a fine appearance. Altogether the Claymore is a very fine steamer, and may be termed a typical coaster, and will no doubt soon become very popular with the travelling public. To-morrow the steamer will be docked for cleaning and painting, and on Friday next will take up her running between Auckland, Waiwera, and Warkworth. Captain John McKenzie, of the Union Steamship Company's service, brought the steamer out, having gone Home for that purpose, and of the voyage ho reports :—The Claymore left Port Glasgow on July 24, at six a.m., and after adjusting compasses at the Tall of the Bank, proceeded on her voyage. St. Vincent was reached on August 7, after a fine weather passage, and after taking in coal left the same date for Capetown. Experienced strong south-east trades, and anchored at Capetown on September 3. Alter taking in provisions, water, and coal, left on the 9th. and experienced very fine weather crossing the Southern Ocean. Reached Hobart at 11 a.m. on October 16, and took in coal, et«., and left on the morning of the 19th for Auckland. Fine weather prevailed until approaching Cape Maria Van Piemen on Saturday evening, when the wind came on from tlie north-west, with thick, dirty weather, clearing as the steamer came down the coast. Mr. Robertson is chief officer, and Mr. Donald, chief engineer.