LAUNCH OF A SCHOONER.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 605, 18 December 1871, Page 3

LAUNCH OF A SCHOONER.

A remarkably handsome topsail schooner was launched this morning at high water, from tho building yard of Messrs Niccol and Son, at Devonport, North Shore. A great crowd of persons attended to watch the operations, and many had availed themselves of the opportunity given by a lovely day, and the attraction of what is always an interesting ceremony, the starting of a new vessel on her varied career. All arrangement., had been effectually made, and as the new-born child began to move towards the water Mrs Conroy administered tho baptismal rite, and dashed the inevitable bottle of champagne to atoms against the bows, naming her the Dauntless. The schooner hss been built to the order of Messrs d nroy and Moller, and will be commanded by the latter gentleman and employed in the Tauranga, for which she has been specially designed, having very large passenger accomodation, with a separate cabin for ladies. She measures 72 tons register, and will carry about 120 tons.

After the more serious business had been completed, Mr Nichol invited the whole of the large party into one of his building sheds, where a splendid luncheon had been set out, with sufficient champagne to float the new craft. There, after refreshing, a variety of toasts wero proposed and drunk, among them of course, the healths of the builders. It is worthy of notice, that in proposing this toast, Captain Fox, a nautical gentleman from Sydney, passed the highest enconiums on tlie Auckland built vessels. Messrs Micol have another vessel of a similar class on the stocks, which they are constructing in their usual workmanlike manner ; and the ' Star of the South,' is on their patent slip, and will be launched to-mor-row' having received a thorough overhauling..