NELSON SHIPPING.

Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10895, 9 December 1903, Page 2

NELSON SHIPPING.

THE ANCHOR COMPANY'S NEW ] STEAMER. "The s.s. Alexander" the new boat ; built on the Clyde for the Anchor Shipping and Foundry Company, is ' expected to arrive here in the course of to-day. This vessel, of which we gave a short description about three months ago, was built to the highest requirement of Lloyds, by Messrs Maekie and Thompson, of Glasgow, Mr J. W. Brown, son of Mr Alexander Brown, of the owning Company, superintending her construction on behalf of the Company. Mr Brown also voyages by the vessel as chief engineer. The vessel has been named in compliment to Mr Brown, senior, the "Alexander." She \s 143 feet overall length, 24 feet beam, and 10 feet 6 inches depth of hold. Her engines are of 290 indicated horse power, which will give a speed of about ten knots. She will Garry about 350 tons on a shallow draught, being designed to work the shallow draught ports now visited by the Company's other steamers, while the hull has been specially strengthened to allow her to lie aground fully loaded if necessary. In all details the very latest and best materials and appliances have been used and provided so that in all respects the "Alexander" is a thoroughly up-to-date steamer. Though primarily intended for cargo purposes, the boat has accommodation for some thirty passengers, and equal care has been taken to have the cabin and saloon appointments of the best as well as to have the most convenient, efficient, and economical appliances for working cargo. The hull is of steel, and like all the Company's steamers, the vessel has twin screws. There are four watertight bulkheads, and water ballast tanks are also provided. There are two hatches, each served by a horizontal steam winch for vror_i_g cargo, a steam winch also being fitijad on the forecastle head, and like the winches connected with i both main and donkey boiler. The [ accommodation for passengers and " officers is amidships the bridge, be- ! ing 47 feet in length. The main ' saloon is at the fore end of the I bridge, and the ladies' cabin at the i after end, the pantry etc., intervening between the two cabins. The Captain's cabin is on the bridge deck. The saloon is fitted with revolving chairs, and upholstered in the best style. The steering gear, situated on the bridge deck, ia steam and hand combined. The lighting throughout is by electricity. The "Alexander" is straight stemmed, and carries two pole masts, with fore ' and aft canvas, and presents the appearance of a good serviceable craft. In placing a steamer of this class in coastal running, the Anchor Company has displayed no little enterprise, the cost running into big figures. We hope that the enterprise will be fully rewarded, and that the vessel will prove successful in every respect and the forerunner of others. In consequence of the ' ' Alexander entering upon this trade, the Kennedy is to enter upon the Wellington, Flaxbourne, Kaikoura, Cheviot, Lyttelton, and Akaroa trade in conjunction with the Wakatu, Captain Shaw, late of the Kapiti taking charge. Captain Wildman will have charge of the Alexander, Captain Vickerman takes the Charles Edward, and Captain Graham transfers from the Kennedy to the Waverley. Some changes as to officers are also contemplated, but have not yet been decided. THE S.S. LILY. This favorite little trader has been in the hands of the Anchor Shipping and Foundry Company for the past two months, undergoing a complete overhaul. The work is now com- 1 pleted, and the Lily resumes her running to-morrow. The work done includes taking out and replacing any defective planks in the hull, recoppering, and re-fastening. The engines have been taken out and thoroughly overhauled, the boiler recovered with asbestos, while new shafts and new propellers have been provided. The new propellers are three inches longer in the blade than those displaced, and it is expected that a slight increase in the speed of the boat will result. The fore cabin has had a new port provided as well as being renovated. The hold has been, re-lined, and a new main deck put in, the ladies' and main cabins also being renovated, and asbestos sheet lining placed between the ! cabins and the engine room makes the cabins cooler than was formerly the case. In addition to the works mentioned every part of the vessel has received attention, and of course ' the opportunity has been taken advantage of to have painting and varnishing done so that the little boat will not only be improved and more comfortable, but will be spick and span in appearance. The work done by tbe Anchor Company has given every satisfaction to the* owners and master of thej vessel^ " j