LAUNCH OF THE MANAPOURI.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2452, 14 February 1882, Page 3

LAUNCH OF THE MANAPOURI.

On December 21st Mesfra William Denny and Brotbera launched from Leven Shipyard the Manapouri, a steel screw Bteamerof about 1830 tons gross, for the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, Limited. The name Manapouri, which was conferred on the vessel by Miss Denny, daughter of Mr Peter Denny, of Helenslee, is that of one of the numerous lakes in the p ovinco of Otago, and ia adopted, says the "Dumbarton Herald," in pursuance of a systematic appropriation of the names of the New Zealand lakea for this company's vessels. Her dimensions are —Length between perpendiculars, ft; breadth moulded, 3Gft j depth moulded, 25ft. She has been bnilt of Hiemens-Martin I steel, under Epecial survey of Lloyds, and classed in their registry 100 Al; three decked, her bottom being constructed on the cellular and solid floor principle, and adapted for water ballast. She will be fitted for 136 firetclas3 passengers and 117 second-cIaES, while portable accommodation for a number of third class passengers will be provided in 'tween decks. The first-class passengers will be accommodated in four-berth state rcoms ranged along the sides of the vessel or forward part of main deck. The dining saloon will be forward of engine and boiler casings on main deck, and completely athwartship; lighted by portß along the sides and through a large cupola skylight over the well in the social hall on upper deck. The architectural and decorative work of the saloon will consist in polished hardwoods well contrasted, the panelling to be chastely embellished with hand-painted decorative designs. The accommodation for second-class passengers will be on main deck, aft in separate cabins and in open tiers of berths along sides and round stern ; dining accommodation for the full number of second-class passengers being provided in centre of space. The officers and engineers will be located in side houses under bridge deck and at front of poop, while the poop itself will be fitted for the accommodation of seamen and firemen.

The vessel will bo fitter! by Messrs Denny and ! Co. with compound surface-condensing engines of about 2000 horse power indicated, the cylinders being 41 inches and 70 inches in diameter, and length of stroke 43 inches. The vessel, while under construction, has been personally supervised by Mr John Darling, the superintendent for the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand. It may be interesting to state that this i 3 the seventh vessel built by Messrs Denny for the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand within five and a half years, and that at present they have on hand no less than ten steamers, with an aggregato tonnage of above 11,000 tons, for the sunie enterprising company. After the lunch, cake and wine were served m the luncheon room of the firm to a largo company of ladies and gentlemen, amongst whom we noticed Mr William Macandrow, of Westwood Houbo, Essex, chairman of the London Board of the company ; IV r Mills, managine director of the company; Provofct Babtie, Mr William Eobson, Mr Hutchison, Captain Ugarte, and Mr Coloman, of Marson; A. Lopez and Co., of Cadiz ; Captains Logan and Jones, Union Steamship Company ; and Mr John Darling, superintendent; Miss Denny, of Eolenslee; Miss Doony, of Woodier ; Miss Isonsee, &o. Mr Peter Denny, who presided, proposed in congratulatory terms, " Prosperity to the Union steamship Company of Now Zealand," and success to the Manapouri, coupling with the toast the name of Captain Logan, who was to take command of the new vessel. Captain Logan suitably replied, after which Mr Mills, managing director of the company, gave in flattering terms "The Health of Miss Denny, of Helenslee," who had named the vessol; and at tho same time presented that lady, on behalf of his company, with a handsome gold necklace " for her kindness in not only naming the vessel, but in executing for important parts of tho Baloon a number °of hand-painted decorative tiles." Mr Peter Denny thereafter gave the " Health of Mr Mills," to which that gentleman responded, paying high tribute to Mr Denny for the ablo advice and assistance ho had always been willing to render his company.

" The souroe of weakness to every nationunder heaven," says Josh Billings, " comes from the fact that its women have »o little to do and bo much to say."