THE RUAHINE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2913, 12 January 1910, Page 92

THE RUAHINE.

'A FAST VOYAGE.

WELLINGTON, January 9.

The New Zealand Shipping Company's new steamer Ruahine, the largest of the company's fleet, arrived at Wellington from London yesterday, fully three days ahead of her schedule time. The performance constitutes one of the best that has ever been achieved by a direct liner trading to New Zealand. An average speed of 14 knots was maintained at sea during the whole of the voyage. From Capetown to Hobart the speed - was 14£ knots, while from Hobart to Wellington slightly, less than was maintained. The actual steaming time from the Royal Albert Dock to an anchorage in Wellington Harbour was 40 days 4hrs Bmin, and the distance was 13,162.5 miles. After passing the Equator the Ruahine ran into strong south-east trade winds and heavy head seas, but, notwithstanding this, she made excellent runs of 320 miles a-day—in fact, her fine steaming capabilities in the face of adverse winds and seas was a matter of general commendation. Mr J. H. Evans, the chief engineer, informed a reporter that the Ruahine's engines worked splendidly throughout the voyage. Only two stoppages were made at sea to attend to some minor matters, and apart from these the liner's engines worked without a hitch. The passengers by the Ruahine are unanimous in their praise for the manner in which the new liner met the heavy weather. She behaved with remarkable steadiness in head seas, and for all a swell could affect her " the passengers might have been on shoie." remarked one enthustic traveller. Captain H. E. Greenstreet also speaks in high terms of the vessel's admirable seagoing qualities,- and thinks that the Ruahine has excelled expectations in this respect.