TESTIMONIAL TO CAPTAIN JAMES WM.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 77, 31 July 1863, Page 2

TESTIMONIAL TO CAPTAIN JAMES WM.

HUGHES, BRIG AUSTRAXTA. Dbar Sta,— After a remnrknbly plt'iisant. though boisterous paffcage from Melbourne to this port,' we cannot part from your good ship without testi- J Tying to the uniform kindness and attention which we- have experienced from you, nnd which, combined withyour gentlemanly demeanour and perfect seamanship, havo rendered our passage highly Agreeable. Wishing you every prosperity, We are, dear sir. Yours faithfully, "Mrs Freds. MoDbkmott. Maria L. Bawks. MttS CHRYSTIJiA MYERS. Harry Gitz, &c. Now River, 25th July, 1863. ■ . ■ ♦ SIRAH GUK-BOAT TOR NBW ZBAIAItn: — H may not be generally known that the A. S. N. Co. have in the course of construction an iron gun boat for the New Zealand Government, and intended for service on the inland wateis.* &he is 140 feet In length, 20 feet beam, 8 feet 6 inches depth of hold, and will draw ouly 2 feet 6 inches of water; she is built of throe-eighth iron, which will render her bullet proof, and is fitted with four watertight comportments. The propelling power consists of an overhanging stera wheel, with feathering floats, driven by two engines of thirty horse power e'atrV , supplied with steam from two boilers placed fifty-four feet forward of the oneiieß, for tho purpose of keeping the vessel on an oven keel. On deck are placed two cupolas, each of seven feet diameter, the sides being pierced for rifles ; tbe cupolas are placed ono forward and the other aft, tho communication being from below. In the construction of this steamer it was important to protect her against being boarded in the event of her getting aground, and for this purpose trthrei - inch iron pipe is carried fore and aft flush with tl c gunwale, and connected with one of the boilers. The pipe is pierced with a series of holes, so that a continuous jet of hot water is thrown from her gunwale should an enemy come alongside. She will be ready for launching in about ton days, and will, when ready for sea, have occupied about four months in the construction. It is intended to rig her as a three-masted schooner, for the purpose of proceeding to Auckland, where her etcm wheel will be fitted. When ready for active service she will afford accommodation for three hundred men. SyJtte;/ Mail. 11th July. j