MAHENO'S RECORD TRIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 10

MAHENO'S RECORD TRIP.

OTAGO TO WELLINGTON IN 20 HOURS.

Between £35,000 and £40,000 has been .spent on the Union Company's steamer Maheno at Port Chalmers during the past two months, and the result is that the vessel arrived at Wellington on the Bth practically a new ship (says the Dominion). From stem to stern the Maheno has been renovated, and brought right up to date. Most of the money had been spent on her now machinery—geared turbines of the latest type—and the vessel’s speed has been increased from 13.5 knots to 17.5 knots per hour, on a 25 per cent, reduction of coal consumption. Oh her trial run-up from Port Chalmers to this port the Maheno covered the journey of 320 miles at an average speed of 16.5 knots per hour. This was accomplished with an inferior quality of coal, and at a reduced pressure of 1201 b of steam on the new turbines. The top pressure is 1351 b, and it is estimated that when this amount of steam is generated the Maheno will forge through the water at about 18 knots per hour. The vessel cut the distance out between Otago and Wellington Heads in just under 20 hours —a record. One of the great advantages to the travelling public which has been o-ained by the installation of the new engines is a total absence of vibration under all circumstances. When the steamer was built she was propelled by three sets of turbines—two high-pressure engines and a low pressure engine—which drove three propellers. The whole of this machinery has been removed, and two now sets of geared turbines installed. The centre shaft and propeller have been done away with, and the vessel has been fitted with two shafts only. Every detail in the passenger accommodation has been attended to, and the saloons etc., have been upholstered in the latest style. Tho dining saloon and music room are works of art. The colouimgs in these particular portions of the Maheno are beautiful. Passengers’ comfort has been studied in all the cabins and staterooms. On the promenade deck eight new state-rooms have boon built on the two-berth principle..