The Launch.

Manawatu Herald, 5 November 1896, Page 2

The Launch.

Owing to the fresh in the river the time of launching Mr Howan'a Dew steamer had to be a little earlier than advertised, bat posters were issued yesterday announcing the fact, so little inconvenience has resulted. Mr Thynne announced that in accordance with the directions of the Town Committee he had issued in«^ vit&tions to the Mayors of Foxton, Pulnierston, Feilding and Woodville to be present and also to the Chairmen of the Counties of Horowhenua. He read replies from Messrs Wood, Mayor of Palmers ton, Gothard, Mayor of Woodville, and Kebbell, Chairman of Horowhenua County, and Ransom, Chairman of the Manawatu County, regretting being unable to be, present, but wishing the boat all success. The banks of the river were crowded with people some time prior - to the hour of starting. We ware pleased to notioe the workmanlike manner Mr Bauokham had laid big ways, and the steamer, in her fresh paint, decorated with much bunting, laid in her cradle a " thing of beauty " and we trust a joy for many years, v The Mayor of Foxton made some preliminary remarks in which he mentioned the pleasure he had at being present at this launch. He spoke in terms of high praise of the energy and enterprise of Mr Howan in having provided such a Yegstl, and he declared hii belief that Mr Hanckbam, the builder, had very faithfully carried out his contract. He called for three cheers for Mr Ho wan and Mr Bauckham which were heartily given, and three cheers were given for Mr J. Howan. Mr Thynne then said be wai a=»ked by his daughter to* thank Mr Ho wan for the compliment he bad puid her, in asking her to christen his new boat, and she waa very pleased to lend her aid, small aa it wait, in furthering the advancement of Mr Howan's enterprise, in which all were interested. Mr Howan then thanked all those present for their company and good wishes and said that during tba right years he had been trading on the river he was always regretting he had not a suitable boat to aid in their pleasure, but that now be bad, they could materially assist him, and he hoped they would, whilst ba would do all he could to make their trips pleasant. It was then decided to launch the steamer, and Miss Thynne look up her position at the bows, ready with a bottle of wine to break on her aa she moved down the ways. After the supports bad been knoqked away and a start having been given the hull with a jack, the boat moved alowly and turely, and as she started ± Mis? Thynne flung the bottle, but it * failed to brt-ak, another attempt was ttl»o unsuccessful, but at the third try, jubt as the boat began to move freelv, the bottle broke, and Miss Ti-y ane christened her the Sunbeam. Ike veßse' moved beautifully down into the water and politely bowed j her head just as she felt her proper I element around her. Three ringing i cheers were raised as she started on her way to the wa er, and again as she swim upon it. There was a little difficulty experienced io getting her anchored ia tbe stream owing to the high wind, but the launch could dot have been more successful.

The day was bright and sunny, and thus nature helped to make the scene attractive. We conclude our report with the wish those present could not help feeling, " Success to the Sunbeam and her' owners."