ARMED MERCHANT SHIP.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1833, 21 August 1913, Page 11

ARMED MERCHANT SHIP.

SUCCESSFUL GUN TRIALS. Tho trial trip of the new triple-screw steamer Ceramic, the' latest addition to tho fleet of tho White Star Line, which was completed on July 7, in tire Mersey, was of more than usual interest—and for several reasons. Built specially for tho Aastraliau trade, the steamer far surpasses in size anything hitherto placed on that particular berth; she has a gross register of 18,000 tons; h?.r length over all is G74ft., and her insulating compartments have a total capacity of over 310,000 cubic feet. Then she is entirely a "one class only" passenger steamer, and can carry 820 passengers in two and four berth rooms, which aro situated on the upper and middle decks.

f But from the point of view of the general public! the chief interest lies in tho fact that she i« tlio first armed mcroliant steamer in which firing practice has been actually carricd out. Of all the tests mado in tho two days' cruise from Belfast —and these were ma.nj- and severe —the one which most attracted tho numerous gu.nsts on board was that of the ginns, two 4.Tin. 1 These are placed astern, because, being intended for ,defence, they aro to bo used in case of pursuit, and, of course, consideration has had to bo given to the general arrangements and convenience of the ship and its work. It wns about six o'clock on Saturday evening when thci vessel was well outside Belfast Lough that tho 'rials took place. Each gun fired ten rounds, the firing party, which included a squad of special men from his Majesty's fillip Excellent, being u.nder Commander C. M. Forbes, R.N., tho whole proceedings being supervised by Rear-Admiral 11. H. Campbell. Captain J. D. Dick, R.N., Assistant-Director of Naval Ordnance, was also present. Tho ranges varied from 1300 yards to 5500 yards, and at tho latter range, the target :being practically out of sight, lmd to be 'picked up by teles>copo. Experts pronounced the aim to liavo been very accurate as to direction—that was quite evident to tho layman—but that tho accuracy of elevation varied. The guns were also fried for extreme elevation and extreme depression, with a view of bringing to bear the utmost possible strain on the structure of the steamer. The guns aro mounted on specially-constructed platforms, which most successfully resisted tho shook of all the explosions, no damage resulting either to the ship herself or to any materials, however fragile, on board, fcomo of the rounds fired were entrusted to members of the Coram ic's own orew, R.N.R.'.s, under the charge of Lieutenant Davey, R.N.R. Theso were regarded as being most efficiently and creditably carried out. The clearly demonstrated that armed vessels in this way will provide.effective defensive power, thereby adding to tho security of our merchant marine. Wc undcirstond it is tho intention of tho White Star Lino to arm all their ships in the regular Australian trado with guns similsr to those oil tho Ceramic. The safety of the passengers and crew is scoured by ths arrangement that the ammunition dou.not carry ils own means of ignition; that is to say, it docs not become active until placed in the guns. Therefore it is not an explosive in the ordinarily accepted meaning of the word. It is only necessary to add that the vessel i.i provided with a complete installation for wireless telegraphy, submarine signalling apparatus, and electric light throughout. It has lifeboats of sufficient capacity to accommodate all on board, swimming baths, an excellent gymnasium, and plenty of room for cricket on the upper deck, and commodious dining, smoking, and reading rooms.