The Northern S.S. Co's Ngapuhi.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11582, 15 October 1900, Page 2

The Northern S.S. Co's Ngapuhi.

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND.

The Northern S.S. Co.'s new steamer Ngapuhi, which replaces the Gairloch in the New Plymouth-Onehtinga run, arrived in Auckland last Friday from Dundee, Scotland, after a favorable voyage of 83 days. The following particulars of the arrival, voyage, and vessel are from the N.Z. Herald :— •

The Northern Steamship Company's new steamer Ngapuhi arrived from Dundee yesterday afternoon, after a favourable voyage of 83 • days. The steamer has been specially built to the order of the company for the ' Onehunga-New Plymouth trade, and is a thoroughly up-to-date vessel in all deparments. When the steamer was reported in the Gulf yesterday morning, the s.s. Muritai left the company's wharf with a party to meet and welcome the vessel. There were on board: Mr O Ranson (manager of the Northern Steamship Company), Messrs M. A. , Clarke and J. R. Gray ([directors), MrW. Laird (superintending engineer), Captain W. Farquhar, Mr Blackwood (inspector of machinery), Messrs H. C. Tewsley, W. C. Somers, J. Coutts, Dr. Sharman (health officer), and Mrs Sharman.

When the Muritai was abreast of the reef the Ngapuhi was sighted steaming through Tiritiri Passage, and the signal, " You will be welcome to Auckland," was run up. In about an hour the newcomer reached the Beacon, where the Muritai was awaiting her, and as she steamed up the channel her smart appearance and shapely hull elicited much favourable criticism. After inspection by Dr Sharman, who was pulled off in one of the Muritai's boats, the Muritai steamed alongside and transhipped her party to the Ngapuhi. Just off the North Head, the Company's steamer Waimarie, which was on her way to Paeroa, ran up some bunting and saluted the latest addition to the company's fleet, and coming up the harbour several of the steamers received her with a blast of their sirens. Berthing at Quay-street jetty, the Ngapuhi- and those on board met with a cordial reception by a number of friends, who, notwithstanding the inclement weather, had assembled to meet the steamer on her arrival.

Notwithstanding her long journey, the steamer came into port in very neat order, and Captain Norbury and his officers are to be complimented upon the care which has been given to the vessel during the voyage.

Shortly after the steamer was- berthed at the wharf, the company adjourned to the smokingroom, when Mr C. Ranson, the manager of the company, proposed the toast of " Captain Norbury and Mr Gow." He congratulated both gentleman upon the successful issue of the voyage, and was pleased to see them back safe and sound. Mr Gow, in replying, thanked Mr Ranson for his kindly welcome. The Ngapuhi had quite come up to expectations on the run out from Scotland. The steamer had the speed in her, and he was quite sure she would do all that was required of her when placed on the West Coast trade. All that he and Captain Norbury hoped was that she would prove a profitable vessel to the company, and they had little doubt about that. •

The Ngapuhi was launched in April last from the yards of Messrs Gourlay Brothers & Co., Dundoc, and is a very handsome vessel. Her principal dimensions are: Length overall, 200f.t; beam, 30ft; depth, 13ft 6in; with a gross tonnage of J>Bo. The hull is of steel throughout, subdivided by five watertight bulkheads, and each peak is fitted for carrying ■ water, ballast. All, exposed decks are of East India teak. Accommodation is provided amidships for about 100 first-chss passengers, the staterooms being fitted with patent iron folding beds, and lavatories, and includes a large dining saloon, panelled in polished Austrian oak, ladies' cabin in Hungarian ash, and smoking room on deck in dark walnut. There is also a social hall amidships, panelled in polished mahogony, fitted with a piano, and lighted by a large skylight overhead, glazed with stained glass windows repre senting New Zealard scenery. The whole is tastefully upholstered, and pantries, bars, l&vatories, &c, have been fitted replete with every modern convenience. At the af terend of tho vessel accommodation has been arranged for about 30 second-class passengers, "with saloon and ladies' cabin. The officers are berthed in a deckhouse aft, and the crew in the forecastle. The vessel is rigg.id as a fore-and-af tischooner, and has two hatches, each with steam winch and double derricks for handling cargo. Tho other deck machinery consists of a powerful windlass on the forecastle, steam steering gear amidships, and screw gear aft. A complete installation of electric light has been fitted throughout the vessel, ond every part is thoroughly ventilated. Both holds are arranged for i carrying cattle, and are especially ventilated by electrically-driven fans. The engines are on the triple expansion principle, the cylinders being 13, 21, and 34, with a stroke of 24. They are specially designed by Messrs Gourlay for twinscrew vessels, and develop 1300 horsepower. At the trial trip on a run of tour hours a mean of 12.8 knots per hour was attained. On the run aoross from Albany to Auckland the steamer made excellent time, an average of 240 miles per day being made. The Ngapuhi was constructed undor the special supervision of Mr George Gow. one of the superintending engineers of the company, who is to be cordially congratulated upon the success of his efforts in tho interest of tho company.

The Star says : — During her run out tho Ngapuhi mot rough weather and high seas, and proved herself an excellent sea boat. The run from Wilson's Promontory was done in the good time of six days, an average speed of 240 knots per day being maintained all the way from Albany, while over 250 was recorded on several occasions. The Ngapuhi was inspected by a number of people interested in shipping on Saturday, and was very favourably commented on, her excellent passenger accommodation being highly praised. She should provo very popular in the Onehunga-New Plymouth trade, which she will take up after docking for cleaning and painting.