Steam Launches.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 242, 30 June 1874, Page 6

Steam Launches.

The Daily Times contains a long article directing attention “ to the facilities given ns by nature for steam communication in our numerous estuaries, rivers, and lakes.” Our contemporary has been led to these remarks by . the perusal of a list and photographs of steam launches and other small vessels constructed by Messrs Yarrow and Hedley, of London, for all parts of the world. Vessels of this description seem to have been made a speciality by the above mentioned firm, who, it is stated, last year shipped to South America upwards of 30, varying from 30 feet to 100 feet in length. In the Engineer of the 30th January, 1874, an entire page is devoted to elaborate engravings of a steam launch constructed by this firm for the Brazilian Government, to be used for harbour service at the Rio de Janeiro, and is described in that journal as follows: “Length, 48ft.; beam, 9ft.; draught, aft, 4ft.; draught, forward, 3ft. 6in. Proportions suited to withstand the rough weather met with at times in the Bay of Rio. The machinery consists of a single 10-inch cylinder, 8£ stroke, supplied with steam from an ordinary return tubular boiler. On the trial trip, a continuous speed of 10£ statute miles was maintained, the engine indicating 50 horsepower, making 255 revolutions per minute with 901bs of steam. This little craft serves as a good sample of a thoroughly serviceable steam launch, and maintains the high reputation of the builders.” The working expenses are very small—in England they amount to about fifteen shillings a day, including all charges, for a launch 43 feet by 8 feet, having a speed of ten miles an hour, the consumption of fuel being about 6cwt., and a man and boy are all the crew required. Amongst others, the following seems well suited for irfany of the rivers, &c., in this Colony, and is described thus:—“ No. 75. - A twin-screw river steamer, built for the navigation of Yangstee-Kiang. Jt was 72 feet long by 12£ feet beam, having a speed of ten miles an hour.” The Times commends this subject to the earnest consideration of the authorities, and all those interested in the development of the resources of the Colony. Water communication is the cheapest known. The Colony possesses immense advantages in this respect, not merely as regards its water systems, bufc also in its extensive coal deposits and its forests, which would serve for motive power. Messrs Darling and Go., of Princes-street, Dunedin, are authorised to receive orders for Messrs Yarrow and Hedley. and can supply all detailed information on this subject.