H.M.S. ROYAL ARTHUR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3436, 18 May 1898, Page 2

H.M.S. ROYAL ARTHUR.

THE NEW FLAGSHIP IN POET. H.M.S. Royal Arthur, 7700 tons, RearAdmiral Pearson, la to leave Akaroa,to-day for Wellington. The Royal Arthur is undoubtedly tho finest modern cruiser that has over entered Port Nicholson, and is of tho same type as H.M.S. Edgar, but a trifle larger, with the same horee-power, viz., 12,00 t). She is capable 'of steaming 19’7 knots per hour, as against the Orlando’s IST bno-s. A study cf the following table will show tbe difference between the former flagship and the Royal Arthur : Royal Arthur. Orlando. Displacement .. 7.700 tons 5.600 tons Indicated b.p, ..12.000 8,500 Length .. ..380ft 300 ft Beam .. .. COCt sGfc Draught of water.. 23ft 9in 22ft Gin Cost of vessel .. £402,414 £260,813 \ 22 ton 8.U.R.1.2 22 ton, 10dn * 13 Gin Q.F, 0 6 pr. O F, Armament .. . 1 -,.q pr _ iq-S pr.; 7m. ) 5*3 pr.; 7m, 3L, Fish torpedo 1 4 (a sul) ) _ dischargers .. / Speed .. .. 10*7 knots 181 knots Coals that can 1 ] bo carried in j* 1,250 tons 900 tons bunkers ..J Complement . .|SS7 434 The Royal Arthur is a twin-screw steamer, and was launched iu 1891. Her armament consists of one 91n 22-ton gnn, 12 Gin Q.F. gnus, 12 eix-pounders, five three-pounders and seven machine guns, besides four Whitehead torpedo tubes. The following is a complete list of her officers s—Rear-Admiral, Hugo L. Pearson; Flag Lieutenant, Arthur 0. Stewart; Secretary, Charles J. Ferguson ; Clerks to Soore* tary, Charles K. Butt, Henry E. O’Dowd, Ernest W. C. Thring ; Captain, Charles G. Dickon ; Commander, Richard P. Fitzgerald ; Lieutenants, Ernest E. Lacy (navigating), Vivian H. G. Barnard (gunnery), Sydney S. Hall (torpedo), John D. Kelly, I rederick G. Brine, Cecil H. Tranco-Hayiiurst; Major of Marinos, Francis G. Cotter ; Lieutenants of Marinos, Francis H. Griffiths, John C. Deed ; Chaplain and Naval Instructor, Rev Henry S. Fltzroy, 8.A., LL.B. ; Fleet Surgeon, Alfred Patterson ; Fleet Paymaster, William E. Boxer ; Fleet Engineer, Georgo F. Laird ; Sub-Lieutenant, Frank Powell; Surgeon, Howland A. Kirby, B.A<> M.B. ; AssistantPaymaster, Edward H. Shearme ; Engineer, Walter S. Westbrook; Assistant-Engineers, William A. Donovan, William P, C. S: riddle, Alfred J. Hostings ; Gunners, Edward Walker (torpedo), Henry Steele; Boatswain, William Lyn© ; Carpenter, George Reeves ; Midshipmen, Roger L’E. M, Redo, Charles T. A. Runbury, Hubert E. Dammeutber ; Clerk, Frauds J. K. Melsome ; Assistantclerk, Charles A. Parker. From a recent number of that excellent journal tho Army and Navy we learn that Rear-Admiral Pearson joined the Royal Navy in December, 1855, towards tho close of the Kusdan war. Ho became Sub-Lieutenant in 1862, Lieutenant in 1863, Commander in 1852, and Captain in December, 1879, being posted to that rank from tho Royal yacht. He was promoted to flag rank in the New Year'% Gazette of 1895. Rear-Admiral Pearson first hoisted his flag in the naval manoeuvres of 1890 in the Warspite cruiser, aa second in command, under Sir Edward Seymour. Ho was again second in command of the reserve squadron daring the manoeuvres of last year, with his flag in the Pared. RearAdmiral Pearson was on November. Ist last appointed to his present post, and hoisted hia flag at Portsmouth in the Royal Arthur, in which he, in January of tbe present year, relieved Admiral Bridge in Australia. Of the officers who have visited Australian waters before, Rear-Admiral /©arson and Captain Dickon were out with the flying squadron in 1870, or thereabouts. Commander Fitzgerald visited Australia in 1880 as Flag Lieutenant bo Lord Charles Scott, and prior to that was out with a flying squadron in 188 L Ho was also on the Arthur when she visited Sydney last year. Lieutenant Bernard was out in t.fao Nelson, Lieutenant Hall in the Royalist, Lieutenant Kelly in the Katoomba. and Lieutenant Lacy in the flying squadron in 1831. So that many of the officers of the Royal Arthur can gay they are more or less at home in tho colonies.

There is no doubt that during her stay here tho Kcyal Arthur will bo thrown open to tho public, when an opportuhity will be given to everyone to inspect this magnificent ironclad. The Premier, the civic and other authorities have boon advised that H.M.S. Koyal Arthur will arrive here to-morrow morning from Akaroa. Instructions to Volunteers in reference to forming a gnard-of-honour will be advertised to-morrow morning. THE OTHEE WAEBBCJPS. H.M.S. Torch and Tanranga are also duo hero to-morrow. All three warships will, we understand, remain in port until after Queen’s Birthday. Ity Telegraph. — Pres* Association. Osehunga., May 17. H.M.S. Torch has sailed for Wanganui.