The Launch.

Manawatu Herald, 3 November 1896, Page 3

The Launch.

At midday on Thursday the new riwr f learner, the Sunbeam, is to be ohristened and launched. To those who hare not grasped the possibilities of the opening up of our river and ocean beaoh by the building of won a lUamer, it may be thought jfttt t great deal oi fuss is being made over a very small matter. A •o&sideration of the question will be bound to show that the case is not 40, ag not only will the Sunbeam be Uu first steamer launched upon the waters of the Manawatu, but it will b« the first of any vessel that has been launched upon this river on the proper and scientific manner all ships are first placed upon the water. If (his was the only point of interest it ■bonld be sufficient for a maritime colony to be interested in, as it will •nablu those who witness it to comprehend how such monsters of naval architecture now building in England ever are got into their proper •lament, and thus the ceremony becomes an object lesson both useful and educational. Beyond the launching oi the new steamer we see what we hope and believe will follow, the opening up of the health giving pleasures of the ocean beach to the thousands who spend their time in the midst of the inland bush, who having but little time to make holiday in, want to do so quickly. This steamer is built to achieve this object, as, run in connection with excursion trips by the railway, it will make it possible to give the Pdlmerston people a day at the seaside fcr the cost of three shillings only. Thirty years ago, during the summer months, London used to hava posters all over it announcing as cue of tba great attractions of the searOD a trip to " Brighton and back for 2i 6d." We see a similar poster in the near future placarded in folmerston, a poster on which will be printed " Ihe ocean beach by rail and steamer at return fires 83." We can easily understand that such ft trip would be moat acceptable and •nticing, and hundreds will avail themselves of the opportunity, and then these people, on the beach, will be catered for, and amused, by the inhabitants of Foxton. The steamer opens up vistas of so much promise and profit* not only to the owner bnt the town, that the successful launching of her on her good work is ft faot dt moment to all, and we predict the Sanbeam will be floated freighted with the best wishes of the ipeotators.