IRELAND’S NAMESAKE BATTLESHIP.

Waikato Independent, Volume V, Issue 328, 24 January 1907, Page 6

IRELAND’S NAMESAKE BATTLESHIP.

INNOVATIONS IN H.M.S. HIBERNIA. Great Britain in general, and Ireland in particular, will have good reason to bo proud of the battleship Hibernia, which is passing through what is known in shipbuilding circles as the ' completing stage at Devonport Dock-yard. As her fit’tingout proceeds it is evident that the Hibernia will mark a distinct advance in the arrangements for the comfort and health of the. ship’s c6mpany, which, by the way, will consist as far as possible of Ireland’s quota to the personnel of the navy. The Hibernia will embody several innovations, which may be divided into two sections, —those relating to the efficient working of the ship, and others which will induce to the personal comfort. Of the former, the most important is a system of forced lubrication in the engine-room department, by means of patent pumps worked by motors, which will convoy oil through a service of pipes to all cranks and bearings. This is the first ship in the British, navy in which this method of lubricating has been adopted, apd the efficacy of the system will be watched with much interest. The oil fuel arrangements have also been developed by a (liter being fitted to each boiler, for the purification of the oil before it is ready for use. * The domestic departures are no Ic* interesting and important than those just explained. In place of steam pipes for heating the various compartments, there will be a hot-air service to all parts of the ship, arranged so that it may be disconnected or- applied to each cabin or compartment. The substitution of hotair for steam will bo the realisation of a long-felt want, as will also the provision of shower-baths iw the wash places for seamen and stokers. Showorbaths for the use of the lower deck have recently been fitted in American warships, and their adoption in the British navy will bo a boon and a blessing, especially to that section of ship’s company whose lot is cast in what Kipling has aptly described as “the little"hell down below.” In addition to these innovations the Hibernia will contain many labour-saving appliances, so that particularly the whole of the work Which was formerly done by manual labour will bo brought under the domain of scientific progress in its application to warship machinery. The Hibernia’s armament has been fitted, and before 1906 lias very far run its course she will have been added to the effective strength of the British navy.