The New Turbine.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 26, 29 June 1907, Page 23

The New Turbine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MAORI. (From Our Special Correspondent.> LONDON, May 17. The turbine steamer Maori is another example of the enterprise, which the Union Company have always shown in promptly providing vessels of the finest type whenever the conuitions of the service admit of their employment. When the turbine principle was first applied to merchant vessels by Messrs. Denny in the King Edward, the trials were carefully observed by the Union Company's representatives, who were quick to note the advantages of the new system of propulsion for certain types of vessels, and they were the first to introduce this system of propulsion to the Southern Hemisphere in their vessel Loongana. The three years’ experience of this vessel has amply justified the step then taken, and the Maori, which is an enlarged vessel of the same ty|>c as the Loongana, embodies the results of that experience. The principal dimensions of the vessel are: —Length 350 ft, breadth (moulded) 47ft, 'depth (moulded) 20ft. Being primarily intended for the night mail service between Wellington and Lyttelton, almost the whole of the vessel is devoted to passenger accommodation. There is a shade deck extending from the stem almost to the stern of the vessel, on which is situated the first-class music-room, a large apartment designed in the ‘ Adams” style, executed in mahogany, finished in white enamel. The furniture of the apartment is in dark mahogany, and includes an artistically designed music cabinet with bevelled glass panels. The swing doors are similarly designed, with the company’s crest emblazoned on the glass. There is a Bechstein grand piano, with duet stool. The ceiling is in strap work, finished in pale tints. The lighting is by means of large rectangular windows of Broadfoot’s make, and by a well in the centre panelled in the “Adams” style, and surmounted by a teak skylight having stained glass windows. The upholstery is carried out in silk tapestry, with curtains of similar material in pale green and cream shades; the floor is laid with Wilton carpet of a subdued blue tone. Abaft the music room -is the principal companion anil vestibule, of a free classic design, framed in padouk and panelled in richly figured mahogany. X large oval mirror, with carved spandrills and pediments, forms a feature of Ihe stairway. On either side of the entrance doors spaces are reserved for samples of Maori carving, which will be fitted when the vessel reaches New Zealand.

Amidships, on this deck, is the firstclass smoking-room, which is in a simple classic design, executed in teak and Hungarian ash. The roof of this apartment is raised in the centre, thus providing room for a deep frieze in root veneer, which material is also used in the dado bands, alternating with panels of figured kauri. The ceiling design is in astrigals radiating from a brass grill in the centre immediately under the ventilating fan, and includes roof lights of stained glass with ventilating spaces between. The upholstery is in uncut moquette of olive green shades, and the windows have spring blinds to match. A number of passengers’ cabins are also fitted on this deck.

The midship portion of the vessel is occupied with the first-class staterooms, in the centre being a large vestibule of a similar design to the upper vestibule, but framed in walnut, the upper panels being of satinwood and the. lower of figured kauri. Gases for silver plate and highly polished fire appliances are notable features of this apartment. The main deck is fitted up for first-class passengers from the chain locker as far aft as the forward funnel, also along the port side of machinery space; the starboard side being devoted to the culinary department, which is fitted out with all the latest cooking and baking appliances. The engineers are berthed on this deck -alongside of the engine-room, where they have direct access to the machinery space. 'The space abaft the turbine hatch is filled up for second-class passengers. The forward end of the lower deck is devoted to the accommodation for seamen, firemen, greasers, and petty officers; these have large spaces for their accommodation, and in place of being huddled together in one compartment, as is' the usual practice, there are not more than eight berths in any one roenn.

Abaft the forward hatch on this deck is the first-class dining saloon, the design

of which is of a free classical type executed in mahogany, finished in enamel while; the panels have arched tops, and are provided with a -raised ornament. Tire furniture having shell recesses at ends filled with handsome vases. The saloon is lighted by large sidelights, and also by a well which is treated similarly to the saloon design, and fitted with a frieze in high relief, above which is the skylight and richly stained glass. The ceiling is in an interlaced design, with narrow panels of anaglypta, finished in pale tints relieved with gold. The upholstery is in uncut moquette, the curtains being of silk tapestry in various shades of pale green, while the floor is covered with Wilton carpet of a rich crimson colour. Abaft the machinery is the secondclass dining saloon, which is more highly finished than is customary even in highclass vessels, being framed in mahogany, finished in white enamel, similarly to first-class saloon. The upholstery is in blue and gold carriage cloth; the floor is laid with Brussels carpet runners, and artistic cretonne curtains are fitted to the windows. The after-end of the lower deck is arranged for a temporary secondclass extension, which can be fitted up to accommodate 50 additional passengers in the busy season. As the vessel is intended to run in connection with the railways, and is required. at least, to equal them in punctuality, the appliances for handling the vessel are extremely powerful, and consist of a steam windlass and capstan on the forecastle, and a powerful warping winch at the stern, the latter being arranged to work the derricks which are provided for dealing with the mails and baggage. Large rudders are fitted both at the bow and at the stern, the after rudder being actuated by Brown’s patent steam tiller, controlled by telemotor from the flying bridge, while the forward rudder is worked by Hastie’s steam steering gear situated on the rudder head, and controlled by large wheel also on the flying bridge. The vessel has eight large boats carried on a boat deck amidships, and a special steam winch is provided for rapidly hoisting them. All the boats are carried on special dropping chocks, which ma tiles them to get clear in a few seconds in an emergency. A complete installation of electric light is fitted in the vessel by the builders. Hot and .cold baths are provided both for first and secomLcfiiss passengers, as well as. for Hie officers and crew. The propelling machinery consist of ‘ three sets of turbines, on the Parsons’ principle, and they, together with the boilers, are being constructed by Messrs. Denny and to., of Dumbarton.