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Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 918, 6 July 1871, Page 2

Yesterday was a perfect blank so far as the shipping business was concerned. Nothing arrived and nothing left. _ The s.s. Murray is expected during to-day or to-morrow, and will, it is expected be despatched with the mail, in ample time to catch the outward steamer at Nelson, on the 10th. The agents here have received advice that the Alhambra left Nelson yesterday evening. She may, therefore, be looked for in our roadstead to-night, when, weather permitting, Bhe will be despatched for Melbourne direct. The Omeo may also be looked for, and will have immediate despatch for Melbourne via New Zealand ports. The p.s. Charles Edward is expected from Westport to-day, and is announced to sail at midnight, weather permitting. The followiug appears in the Scientific American in answer to a correspondent : — " For large vessels the screw has a decided economical advantage over side wheels. The screw, with one-third less coal, will yield the same speed as the wheels. It is not new to place two pairs, or four wheels, on steam vessels. The experiment has been tried without economical success. Whether you use four wheels, or two, which contain the same paddle surface, makes, theoretically, no difference ; but practically the two •wheels are best. If four are used the water reaches the aft or second pair of wheels in a state of motion, and slip or loss of power is the result."