LAUNCH OF A NEW SCHOONER AT THE PORT,

Otago Witness, Issue 1161, 28 February 1874, Page 14

LAUNCH OF A NEW SCHOONER AT THE PORT,

The launch of the handsome schooner which lia s been some time building at the yard of Messrs Sutherland Co., came off on the 19th inst., shortly bcfoie 5 o'clock. Notification of the event had been given on the previous day, and attracted a large concourse of spectators, amongst whom we noticed Mr and Mrs K. UamsAy, and Miss Ramsay, from Duuedin. The Mayor of Port' Chalmers, and several of the Town Councillors, Capt. Thomson, Harbour Master, Caotains Anderson, Mordue, Russell, and a great many < f the tovwisfolks, male and female. The launch had been carefully prepared for, no wonder therefore that it was a success. Tho honour of naming the schooner fell to the lot of Miss Ramsay, and very gracetully and plea antly she discharged the task, and v\ith the usual No. 2 besprinkling formality, named the vesse' the Wanganui. As the vessel left her slips, a few well directed blows cleared the cradle, and away glided tho schooner, and took the water like a duck, without hitch or conti ntemps of any kind.

The Ivunch over, the party adjourned to the buildors' office, and then drnnk sucofss to Hie new craft, the health being proposed in a neat speech by His Worship the Mayor.

Mr K. Ramsay responded, and in turn proposed— " The health of Messrs &utherlatid, the builders," who duly acknowledged it, and culled for bumpers for " The Ladici, coupled with thenaaie of Miss Bamsay." The toast was drunk v\ ith acclamation. Amidst much mirth and he irty good wishes for the Wannanui. tho proceedings terminated. We gave a description of the Wan»anui the other day, and hav e nmv only tuie* murk that she is of S2 tons register, and is to be taken into tho Flo iting Dock and there coppered. She has been built to the order of Mc-srs Anderson and Mouat. Next week tup keel qf another vessel of similar proportions is to be laid on the same stooks for the wme firm.