TRIAL TRIP OF THE S.S. TAKAPUNA.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3802, 21 September 1883, Page 4

TRIAL TRIP OF THE S.S. TAKAPUNA.

(Glasgow Times.) On Saturday this hue vessel, built by the Barrow Shipbuilding Company for the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand (Limited), went down tho river on a trial trip. A select company joined tho steamer off Craigcndorran, those present including the Hon. G. M'Leun and Miss New Zealand; Mrs JamesM'Lean, MrsSlade, Barrow; Misses Orr, Helensburgh ;Dr Best; Dr Armstrong, Barrow ; Capt. Jones (commander), and Messrs James Thomson, W. Brock, C. Galbraith, Rose, D. Dunlop, J. Thorn, W. John, Barrow, G. Rodger, BarroAV, M'Allister, and A. Saunderson. In respect of weather the day Avas far from being what avus desired for a pleasure outing, slight rain falling throughout the greater part of the afternoon, but the company avoi-c enabled to spend the time they Avere on board very pleasantly in inspecting the appointments ot tho ship. These are certainly of a superior kind and reflect tho greatest credit on the enterprise of tho owners and on tho skill and Avorkmanship of the builders. The Takapuna is intended for tho inter-colonial passenger trade, and is fitted to accommtdtte 80 first and 80 second class passengers. Tho first-clas3 cabins and saloons nro placed forward; the several departments—sleeping, dining, sitting, and smoking rooms—are fitted up luxuriously, and in tho matter of arrangement leave nothing to bo desired. But, indeed, this remark applies to all sections of the ship, Avhicli is of tho foUoAviug dimensions :—Registered tonnage, 870 ; length, 220 feet; breadth, 32 feet; depth, 18-G feet; the engines indicate 2500 11.p., and have 30 and GS inch cylinders by 39 inch stroke. Tho steam steering gear, Avhich Avas found to Avork very sweetly on Saturday, has been furnished by Messrs Muir and Caldwell. Edison's system of olectric lighting has been carried throughout tho ship, every apartment being provided with an independent lamp. After running tho measured mail off Wcmyss Bay,_ Avhen the very satisfactory speed of over 15 knots was attained, those present sat doAvn to dinner under the presidency of Mr John and Mr Rodger. Before separating the company drank success to the good ship Takapuna. In submitting the toast Mr John said the vessel was one of the most elaborately fittedup passenger steamships in the Avorld. ThcUuion Company had insisted on tho best vessel that could bo produced regardless of expense, and they had got it. Tho Hon. Mr M'Lcan, in name of the Union Company, replied, and expressed his satisfaction at tho manner in which the builders had fulfilled their contract. Tho Takapuna will sail in a few days for New Zealand, under command of Captain Jones.