THE NORTHERN STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VII, Issue 452, 22 December 1897, Page 3

THE NORTHERN STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

A NEW STEAMEK,

In order to keep pace with the requirements for the largely-increasing trade betwee» Auckland and the Upper Thames District, the directors of the Northern Steamship Company recently placed an order with Mr Robt. Logan, senr., the well-known sh p-builder, for the construction of a steamer sonlewhat on the lines of the Company's favourite steamer Waimarie. The new steamer, which is to be called the Taniwha. is now nearing completion, and will be launched immediately. : . •=>

The Taniwha is a wooden vessel, constructed on the diagonal principle, with three thickness of planking, her. dimensions being: Length between perpendiculars, 112 f t; b.eam, 24ft; depth of hold, 7-8 feet; draught, 5-6 feet. She has been specially designed for tin carriage of a large cargo on a very shallow draught.' The main deck extends from aft to the after bulkhead of the forecastle. The top of the forecastle is of the same height as the forward, bulwarks. The poop is 76ft in length, in which is arranged the passenger accommodation, cardroom, and officers' quarters. On the poop is a deck-houso, 22ft by Bft, containing the companion . way ■to the saloons, smoking-room, and captain's cabin. On each side of this house is a skylight for the purpose of providing plenty of ventilation to the saloon. Further forward on the poop is a second deck-house, in which is the steam steering gear, and on top of that is ■ the'^ pilot bridge, from which the«vessel is navigated. Forward, ®n the main deck, is the main hatch, 14ft by 10ft, and the forecastle, which is very comfortably fitted to accommodate ten men.

The saloons are to be upholstered in Utrecht velvet, and the card and smoking rooms in buffalo-hide, all being neatly panelled and finished. The smoking-room is especially cosy in appearance, and is fitted with vertical sliding- sashes, on the railway carriage principle. There are two holds in which can be stored.from. 160 tons to 200 tons of cargo.- ■ m Throughout, the steamer is to be fitted with the electric light, Messrs J. Chambers and Son having the contract for the installation.

The Taniwha makes the seventh vessel added to the Northern Company's, fleet during the past two years, a fact which speaks highly for the successful and energetic management of the company's affairs. It might, perhaps, be mentioned that the Northern Company's'fleet now numbers 28 steamers of all classes, and is, probablyj the finest costal fleet in the whole of the Australasian colonies.