TRIAL TRIP OF THE P.S. STURT.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXII, Issue XXII, 26 November 1867, Page 3

TRIAL TRIP OF THE P.S. STURT.

The Colonial gunboat Sturt,-Captain Fairehild, which, as we lately stated, ,Ims undergone a thorough overhaul, made a trial trip yesterday afternoon. A number of visitors wero invited, and as fche afternoon was fino those who wore on board enjoyed the trip greatly. The course taken was from fche Queen's Wharf round Somes's Island, the lighthouse on which was passed in 32 minutes from starting, a very satisfactory rate of speed, moro especially when ifc is remembered fchat the engines and boiler bad nofc been worked since their overhaul. The trip was made under the inspection of Mr Nancarrow, Engineer Surveyor, who, wo believe, was thoroughly satisfied with fche condition of the vessel and her engines. A speed of about 9-i* knots an hour was attained, with 16 lbs of steam and 24 inches vacuum, the engines making 27 revolutions a minufco. We cannot give the precise rate of speed of the vessel, as there is no measured milo in tbe harbour to judgo by— a defect in fche harbour arrangements which, we learn, will probably soon be rectified. The engines worked with astonishing smoothness, and the absence of vibration was an agreeable contrast to tho constant; tremor which is felt on board many steamers. The repairs to fche engines were executed by Mr Mills. During tbe trip the visitors assembled in tbe cabin and drank the health of Captain Fairehild "with: duo honors. The Sturfc presents a very different appearance to what she did somo months ago, and fcho improvements thafc havo been effected in her appearance and accommodation have rendered her practically a new vessel. She now possesses quite a handsome little saloon, and tbe quiet mode in which she glides through the water might render her a formidable competitor to the small screw steamers running on tbis coast if she were placed in the passenger trade. Ifc is pleasant to be able to state, in these economical times, that her repairs have been executed afc an exceedingly low figure. She will shortly proceed to fche Kawau with the Governor, for' whoso accommodation a cabin in the deckhouse has been very neatly fitted up.