THE AUSTRALASIAN SQUADRON

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1932, 31 August 1888, Page 3

THE AUSTRALASIAN SQUADRON

* H.M.S. Medea, tbe type seleoted for the five protected orulsers now being built for the Australasian Squadron, m substitution of the Aroher type at first deoided I on, was launohed at Chatham Dockyard 'on 9 h June. The Medea was designed by Mr White, Director of Naval Architecture, and Is desoribed as a twln-sorew steel vessel, unarmoured, oarrying six 6-in breeoh- loading guns plaoe tin spotnons built out from the sides of the hull, one on eaoh side at eaoh end, and one on eaoh side amidships. The proteotion is 3-in deok plating of the usual arched type ; and the engines, developlag 9000 Indicated horse power, will give the vessel the fine speed of 20 knots an hour. Besides the above armament, she will oarry ten quick firing guns proteoted by shields. The conning to ever is the only armoured portion. In length the Medea is 266 ft between the perpendionlars, 41ft extreme breadth, snd 16ft 6ln depth of bull. Her displacement is 2800 tons. Hi draught will be 15ft 3ln forward and 17ft 9.n aft. Her coal oaDioity is 400 tons, equal to steaming 8000 knots. She was commenced on sth April last year, having thus ocoapled only 14 months In construction. The Maglotenne, the Medusa, (the Melprmene, and the Marathon, four other vessels of the same olass, are In course of oonstraotlon or fitting for the Imperial Navy. _.