“The Press” In 1866

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31004, 9 March 1966, Page 12

“The Press” In 1866

March 9 LAUNCH ON HEATHCOTE.—A very interesting ceremony will take place on Monday, at the Heathcote, being no less than the launch of the first steamboat built in this province. The vessel has been constructed by Mr. Dixon, to the order of Mr. Mills, and is intended to run from Sumner to the Bricks wharf. She will be in all senses of the words a colonial production being built of New Zealand timbers and her engine, one of ten-horse power (nominal). is being prepared by Mr. Anderson of Cashel street. The length of the boat is 47 feet in the keel, and 53 feet over-all. with a 10 feet beam, and a depth of hold of 4 feet.

The supposed draught of water is about 20 inches. The only obstruction on the river to the boat's passage, is the bridge in the Stanmore road, and alterations we hear are about to be made in it so as to admit her passage. We hope that Mr. Mill’s spirited speculation will prove a remunerative one. and may lead to many others of a similar character. At all events, Mr. Mills will have the credit of having been the first to construct a vessel of the description in Canterbury. The boat will also, when running, be of great service in clearing the river of water-cress, and a portion of the sum annually spent for this purpose we should imagine Mr. Mills to be entitled to.