H.M. S.S. MIRANDA.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2179, 18 February 1881, Page 3

H.M. S.S. MIRANDA.

The ‘Melbourne “ Argus,” of January 21th, thus describes H.M. s.s. Miranda, the latest addition to the Australasian squadron :—“ The steam sloop of war Miranda, which arrived on Saturday afternoon, is one of the latest additions to the squadron on the Australian station. Not many of her Majesty’s vessels have come out here on their first commis'ion, hut the Miranda in this respect is an exception, being now on her maiden craise. and fresh from the hands of the dockyard artificers. The Miranda is a sloop of the composite order of naval architecture and was launched on September 20th, 1879. from Devon port dockyard. At the entrance sho is straight-stemmed to the line of flotation, but underneath there is a projecting ram bow, so that sho is available as an attacking vessel apart from her artillery. She is pierced forward for bow chaser?, and aft there are two deep embrasures for stem chasers. The armament consists of six guns, two of which are 7-inch 4£--ton puns, the others being 64-cwt. guns, throwing 641 b. shot. All are highly finished, and the best of their kind. Besides this heavy ordnance there is a Gatling gun and small brass guns for boat or field service. There is also the requisite supply of rifles and side arms, and the sloop in addition has been furnished with torpedoes. The Miranda is propelled by compound engines, direct acting and surface condensing, and steam is generated in three boilers, which at present work up to a pressure of 601 b. The cylinders are horizontal, of 38iu and 63in diameter, and the stroke is 2 Jin. The engines are of 1022 horse power effective, and can drive her at 12-knot speed if necessary. On the trial trip a speed of 12J knots was attained with ease. The screw is donble-bladed, and can be raised into the screw well when the vessel is under canvas. The bunkers are capable of containing fuel for twenty-three days’ consumption at ordinary speed. Tho engine room is specially etrengthned end protected from outside disturbance. As an element of safety in case of accident, the hull has been bulk-headed off in eight watertight compartments. The Miranda is barque rigged, and is said to shape very well under canvas. Her equipment in all respects is complete, and being quite a now vessel, she is fitted up with numerous mechanical appliances which do not abound on the older class of men-of-war on this station. The complement of officers and men all told is 133, and of this number twenty belong to the marine force. The Miranda was placed in commission on July 22ud of last year, and started on her cruise on August 26th.