THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3862, 3 July 1874, Page 2

THE SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.

Messrs J. Elder and Co., the celebrated builders, have sent to the Hon. Saul Samuel (says the Sydney Morning Herald) a veiy handsomely finished model of the first steamship being constructed by their firm for the San Francisco service. A presentation plate attached to the stand states that she is 370 ft. long by SBft. beam, and has 31ft. depth of hold; tonnage,

VMQ actual; horse -power, 2700 ; speed in knots, I 14. The model is of the most approved'modern type,—a lean body, a long flat, floor, terminating in extremely fine ends, offering the smallest possible amount of resistance. The main saloon is amidships, forward of the, machinery, and is entered from-* a spacious deck-house, apparently constructed so as also to furnish quarters for the officers, Ihe forecastle deck terminates in a high barrier, running'from rail to rail, intended to (jhrow off any spray that may fly over the bows, and thus keep the promenade deck dry and sheltered. The vessel herself te expected, to leave England at the end of the year. As the Ilrria, a new ship from the same yard, recently purchased for the direct trade between Liverpool and Melbourne, made 16 knots on her sea trial trip, there is no reason to doubt that the newer vessel's speed will he equally satisfactory. The new steamers, four in number, are being rapidly constructed. Two of them are building on the Clyde, and two on the Tyne. Those on the stoteks on the Tyne are being built by Mr James Luhig, and are to be of the following dimensions :—Length, 370 feet; beam, 3S feet 3 inches; depth of hold, 31 feet; tonnage, 2700; speed, 11 knots. The machinery is by Messrs R. and W. Hawthorne, Newciistle-on-Tyne. The other two boats, on tho Clyde, are by Messrs Randolph and Elder. The first vessel is to be ready in December next, and one tho month after. No expense is being spared to make them in every way suitable for the trade in which they are to be engaged.