SHIP-BUILDING IN AUCKLAND.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 860, 7 November 1870, Page 3

SHIP-BUILDING IN AUCKLAND.

LAUNCH OF THE NAPIER. [FROM THE DA.ILY SOUTHERN CROSS, NOV. 4.] SiiiP building at this port is comparatively brisk, notwithstanding the dulness of the times. At the North Shore there are two vessels being built, one a centreboard schooner for the Bay of Islands Coal Company, and intended to curry about 120 tons coal.; and the other a large yacht, to the order of King Thackambau, of the Fijis, both of these, are being built by Messrs Niccol & Son. The keel of another schooner, intended for the Fiji trade, is laid by Mr Beddoes, At the yards of Messrs Dutbie & Ross a screw steamer also intended for the Fiji Island, is in the course of construe tion. A few months back we recorded the launch of the Gulden Crown, which vessel will soon be ready for running, and on Tuesday last that of the Ferry steamer Davenport. Yesterday afternoon we were again called upon to witness the always interesting ceremony of the launch of a new steamer. It will no doubt be in the remembrance of our readers that a shurt time back we gave a few particulars of a steamer being built for the East Coast trade, under the superiutendauce of Capt. W, Bendull, at the yards of Messrs Niccol & Son, and it was this vessel that we yesterday had the gratification of seeing gliding into her futureaelement, Notwithstanding the very unf vouvable btate of the weather yesterday, a very nnrnerous concourse assembled at the time appointed. At about 2.30, all being ready, the order was given to let go, and, as the vessel glided down the ways, Miss Mary ft. & Bendall, aged between seven and tight years, broke the customary bottle of champagne, and in a clear voice wished " Success to the Napier," which was loudly echoed by the crowd. The steamer slid splendidly into the water, and as she was brought to an anchor oil the yards, she was the theme of general admiration. After the launch the visitors retired 1 to the large shed adjoining the &lip yard. All being assembled, Mr D. Burn said it had been his pleasure to propose success to the first steamer ever launched at the North Shore, and it was with equally great pleasure that he now proposed " Success to the steamer Napier, and to her owners." Drank with cheers. Mr Niccol, juu., next called upon the com pany to drink in bumpers "The Heaiti. Of Capiaiu William Bendall," a gentle-

man whom they had known for a long time, and for whom they had all enter* tained a great amount of 'aspect. During the whole of the time he and his father had been engaged in shipbuilding never had they felt greater pleasure in doing their part of the work than they had for Capt. Bendall.—-The toast was drank with all honours. —Captain Bendall thanked the company for the very flattering expression of good will towards him.—Mr John Holmes said he only hoped the new steamer would prove as great a success as a sea boat, in the hands of Captain Bendall, as the p.s. Challenger had been, and he certainly thought that both vessels reflected the greatest credit on Messrs Niccol and Son.—-Mr Niccol endorsed the sentiments of his son, and said it was a real pleasure to work lor Capt. Bendall. Mr Burn rose, and said: Gentleman, I have another toast to propose, which I am confident you will all drink in bumpers. It is the health of Messrs Niccol & Sons. During the last twenty-two years I have known Mr Niccol, and during that time I have with pleasure witnessed the launch of a number of vessels from their yards, both sailing and steam ships. I hope that the vessel now launched will not be the last I shall see built here. —The toast was cordially drank, and Mr NiccJ, sen., returned thanks, remarking that tiie entire plans, and the management of building the Napier, had been left in the hands of his son, and he was glad to see his efforts were so much appreciated. (Cheers.) The health of Mr Burn was next pro posed by Mr Masefield; and Mr Mitchal proposed that of Captain J. Bain of the s.s. Keera. —Captain Bendall proposed Mr Masefield's health, and he said on the present occasion he would say very little, excepting that the machinery made by Mr Masefield had been turned out in a most creditable manner, and gave him every satisfaction. —Several other toasts were proposed, after which the company dispersed. The Napier will be brought over to Auckland to-day to receive her machinery, and we shall look forward to her trial trip with no small amount of interest.