LAUNCH OF THE SUBMARINE BOAT.

Evening Star, Issue 3375, 13 December 1873, Page 2

LAUNCH OF THE SUBMARINE BOAT.

This strange specimen of marine architecture was Most successfully launched this morning at about 11 o’clock from the training wall, near the end of the Rattray street jetty. Although a busy hour of the day, there must have been at least a thousand people present, amongst them being his Honor the Superintendent; Mr ijair carrow, C.E., Government inspector of steamships ; Captain Thomson, harbor master; Capbun Tatchell, of the May Queen; Captain Jenkins, of the Lady Jocelyn; Messrs J. Black, J.P. ; James Mills, M.F.C. ; Copeland. Reeves, and the following directors of the company for which the boat lias been built :- Messrs 1). F. Main, James Baxter, George Graut, together with Mr Douglas, U.E.,- engineer to the company. On the platform of the boat, which was gaily decorated with flags, were Mr Yillaine, its inventor, and Mr Raul Villaiuo, his son (both of whom have had long experience in working boats of the same principle at Home), and two of the crew. The generally expressed opinion amongst the oplookers was that on reaching the water the un gaudy machine would capsize (being unaware that she carried about three tons of pig iron as ballast); but, on notice being given that all was ready, the rope which held her was cut, and iu> stautly the boat started dqwn the slips, plunged her pointed nose into the water, and floated buoyantly and erect op the surface. As she started, Aliss Agnes Grant, daughter of Qlie of the directors, broko a bottle of champagne against and christened the monster the “Platypus”—an appropriate name. The steamer Peninsula then towed her round to the Stuart street jetty, where the finishing touches requisite before her submersion will be given. The directors and a number of the visitors then adjourned to drink success to the Platypus. Mr Main gave some interesting particulars as to the affairs of the company. He said that he thought he could safely congratulate the shareholders on the success of the boat; for after the admirable manner in which she had taken to the water he considered the principle well c Published, and that there was not a scintilla of doubt as to her being worked above and below water at the pleasure of her crew. There were some modifications of the original plan, it being now arranged that a supply of air should be obtained by being pumped into the boat, through a gutta-percha tube floating on ,the surface of the water, instead of depending on the supply contained in the reservoir inside the boat. The paddles had also been fixed to work the air pumps, of which there were four, so that if one or more got out of onler a supply of air could still be obtained. In a river where there is any current these, wheels will work the pumps ; but if in place where there is no current, the latter will be worked by hand. The boat could be shifted when under water to port qr starboard, ahead or astern, there being a crab winph inside her by which the men could haul upon the moorings. He (Mr Main) had greater confidence in the boat than ever, and hoped and believed that before long the company would have a fleet of boats built out of the proceeds of the Platypus. ?t wits intended to sink her off Burke’s brewery before sending her up-country; but before that was done it was necessary that some few of the shareholders who had not paid up their calls should do so, as the directors did not wish to call up more than L2 10s per That would Ve sufficient to pay all nut. standing liabilities (fop"\vfiicfi the directors had held themselves responsible), if all paid up, When the French war-steamer Vire mhs in port the speaker invited Capt. Jacquemart to inspect the submarine boat, upon seeing which that gentleman said that there were a thousand and more of the same working in France, and that they were also used by the Russians in raising the vessels sunk at Cronstadt during the wav. Some people

sneered at the principle of the boat, and said that the tailings in the rivers would be an insuperable obstacle ; but, as a constant supply of air could now be kept up, any amount of tailings could be sluiced. The Pneumatic Tube Company had failed through the great labor involved by the tailings, and its appliances not being able to get -through any quantity. In conclusion, Mr Main proposed “ Success to the Platypus,” coupling with the toast the name of Mr Villaiue, which was heartily received. Then followed the health of Mr Douglas, the company’s engineer, Mr Miiin bearing testimony to the energy and attention displayed by him m superintending a most difficult job—the building a machine which he did not understand. Mr James Copeland proposed the health of Miss Grant, with thanks for her assistance at the ceremony ; and Air James Mills that of the directors, which was responded to by Mr Grant, who said that Mr Main was the prime mover in the affair, and to him was due what success had been or would be attained.