TRIAL TRIP OF THE S.S. KEERA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2128, 30 November 1868, Page 3

TRIAL TRIP OF THE S.S. KEERA.

The repairs and alterations on this favourite vessel having been finished, a trial of her steaming powers was made on Saturday last. There was a numerous company on board, the owners having dispersed their invitations in a very liberal way, and nearly all the leading mercantile and other houses in town were represented. In addition to these the invitation had been extended to the workmen of the contractors who had been employed in effecting iho different alterations which have been made on the boat; and the workmen and their wives and sweethearts mustered in large force. The hour of starting was fixed tor halfpast eleven, but it was nearly an hoar after that ere everybody was on board, so that plenty of time was given for noticing the numerous alterations which have been made. These have been described in this journal previously, so that a word or two as to their appearance now when completed is all that is necessary. Viewed from the bridge the vessel looks roomy aud comfortable, and all that she is intended to be—a good sea boat. On going below, we were introduced to MrNasmith, the engineer, who pointed out the numerous improvements which have been effected in hi 3 department. The engines, which are on the diagonal principle, were made by the celebrated firm of It. Stephenson and Co., at Newcastle-on-Tyne, in 1851. They have been thoroughly overhauled in every part, and new pistons, valves, <fee., fitted, and all the bearings and brasswork renewed, so that the engines, as they no-v stand, are as good as ho day they first started. The boilers have also undergone extensive alteration and improvement, all the lower part being new and reconstructed on what, is known as the dry-bottom principle, and stayed to carry a pressure of 251b to 301b to the square inch. Messrs. Kincaid, M'Queen, and Co. may well he proud of the result of their labour in this part of the ship. Shortly afterstarting the engines attained a speed of about 40 revolutions per minute, the screw revolving three times for every turn of the engines, and the vessel making a speed of about eiitht knots an hour. The ease with which the screw (which is a new one, of a different pitch from its predecessor, and also the work of the local firm) pushed the vessel through the water was surprising, there being none of that furious splashing and noise which are generally made by screw steamers—the wako being remarkably smooth

The Keera proceeded down the harbour by the South Channel, and the time taken from off Pelichet Jetty to the iilands near Port Chalmers, was just an hour, the engines working all tho way with the utmost smoothness and v<sr3' little heating indeed. On rounding the numerous sharp bends in tho channel, the vessel answered her helm in a very lively way. A short stay waa mado at Port Chalmers, and then a course was shaped through tho shipping at anchor, in the Pool, towards tho Heads. When off Otaheito Point, an adjournment was made to the cabin, where the tables were coveted with a moat substantial lunch, to which justice as substantial was forth *-ith done by the numerous guests. Tho fore-cabin, or rather tho hold of the ship, for of course the cabin was utterly unfit to contain a quarter of the company, wa* fitted •)>'(fry* air Melville, *l»c contractor lor* th c woodwork) with tables running the whole length of the space amidships, and these were mainly occupied by the workmen and their friends, Mr Gilles, one of tho owners, being in tho chair. In tho course of the dinner, tho Chairman, in a brief Bpeecb, after thanking tho various contractors and their principal •workmen for tho interest they had taken in carrying out the alterations, proposed the toast, " Success to the Keera," which was responded to with hearty cheers, and followed by several other toasts. In the other cabin a somewhat similar scene went on, and just as the vessel was clearing the Heads, which was exactly 45 minutes from full speed ahead at Port Chalmers, the major part of tho company returned on deck, to enjoy the beautiful scone. After making an offing of about a couple of miles, just far enough to Bee a few porpoises, Cape pigeons, &c., the sea being quite smooth, only, a slight heavo now and then, but not enough to disturb the stomach of even the most delicate, the vessel was put about, and headed inshore again. The run up the harbour was very pleasant indeed, and everyone on board seemed to enjoy the smooth and easy motion of the vessel. The only thing that was wanting Vo complete the enjoyment was a little music, the fine roomy deck being tho very thing for a dauce. The tide had turned ere t?io Spit was passed, so that the Keera's speed was somewhat lessoned, but still Port Chalmers was reached in very good time. A short stay was.again made in the bay to land a few passongers, and then the Keera steamed, off towards Dunedin against a strong ebb tide. Pelichet Jetty was reached at a quarter past five, and the company separated, thoroughly well pleased with the performances ofthe Bteamer and with the hospitality o£; her owners.