A New Steamer.

Manawatu Herald, 11 April 1896, Page 2

A New Steamer.

• We had a oall yesterday from Mr i Samuel Howan, the owner of the steam launch Ivy. He came with a good idea also plana and specifications. We had a long chat and the result is as follows : — It has become evident to Mr Howan and to the business people of the town that a larger and better river steamer is much needed. If such a steamer was supplied the trade of the Ivy would be gone. The idea then is to merge the Ivy, or her engines whioh are first-class, into the new boat. Mr Howan is willing to take a very big risk in the new venture, but, naturally enough, wants practical help from the property owners and tradespeople. He does not want the.r money for long but he wants some of it for a time, and suggests that some £160 should be lent him for one year free of interest. We may here state that the plans of a capital launch have been prepared by a practical ship-builder at Aeburst of the following dimensions: — Length on keel 60 feet, beam 12 feet, depth of hold 4 feet, and forecabin sft. Sin. With the engines in the Ivy she ifl estimated to steam over 9 knots on a draught ot 8 feet to B_ feet. She ii to be built of timber, the planking to be..of kauri, decks and lining totara, and oopper-fastened throughont. She would oarry 80 tons of oargo or about 150 passengers. The promoter has invited all in* terested to meet him at Whyte's Hotel sample rooms on Monday evening at half past seven when he will more fully explain all matters. As far aa we grasped the position it seemed a perfeotly legitimate proposal and a good one for the town and district. It is nofc handy to all to find £200 or £300 hard cash all at once and Mr Howan suggests the supporters of the scheme should themselves say how much they will lend him free of interest for one year. We understand that a proposal will be made to appoint trustees who shall receive the loans, and who shall also be owners of the new launch until the loans have been

fc IIM I 111 I—*— paid off. As the boat completed will be worth £400, the money advanced Beems perfectly safe. We hope a good attendance will ensure Mr Howan giving practical effect to his scheme.