TELEGRAMS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXV, Issue 3087, 20 December 1870, Page 2

TELEGRAMS.

Wangantti : 18th— 5 p.m., Wanganui, from Wellington. Pioxom : 17th — 3 a.m,, Phcebe, for Nelson. Nelson ; 18th — 4 p.m., Airedale, from Auckland ; 6 p.m., Airedale, for Ficton. G-bexmouth: 19th — Early, Alhambra, from Nelson. • Bltnpb: 17th — 10.20 p.m., Tararua, from Dunedin ; 2.20 p.m., Tararua, for Melbourne. Napebe : 19th— 11.23 a.m., Lord Ashley, from Wellington. ' » B.O.Buistall writes to the Melbourne " Argus,' on the subject of compound engines and the Cape route : — The proved economy of Randolph, Elder, and Co.'b compound engines enabled that firm to make the offer which I submitted to the Government in 1867, viz., to build a ship of 2,620 tons, to maintain an average speed on the voyage of 10£ knots an hour (46 days from Plymouth), carrying, in addition to coals for the voyage, about; 1,000 tons of cargo and 400 passengers, or a ship of 3,500 tons with a speed of 11£ knots, or 42 days, and I have since informed the Government that the outward voyage could be guaranteed in 37 days. Of course, a somewhat larger ship would be required for this, but not too large, for the trade. It will some day be acknowledged that the benefits the colony would derive from such rapid communication would far outweigh any subsidy that has been asked. The B.s. Bangatira, Captain Eenner, arrived yesterday morning from Napier via Castle Point, after a stormy passage. She had to run back from Cape Palliaerto Castle Point for shelter. We are indebted to the steward for Napier files. The Star of the South, at present lying on blocks broadside to the Bay, is now being shifted by means of jack screws, stern on to sea, preparatory for launching. The power iB being applied to the ship's bows, and she will be gradually slewed round — the oentre ways acting as a pivot — until in the proper position. The weight of the vessel, as she now lies is probably from 130 to 150 tons, and the process, as may be supposed, is slow, laborious, and to some extent risky. Nevertheless, in the goodhandß of Messrs Palmer and Loder, the work goes on easily — the ship's bows having, in less than two hours yesterday morning, being moved ten feet. It is expected, barring acoidonts, that the ship will be in position for launching by Saturday night— H.B. "Herald", 9th Dec.