Arrival of the Lady Robert and Janie Seddon.

Manawatu Herald, 18 January 1902, Page 2

Arrival of the Lady Robert and Janie Seddon.

The vessels are named the Janie Seddon and the Lady Roberts, and were constructed by Messrs Fleming and Ferguson, of Paisley. They are both of the same dimension, the -ton- 1 nage being 370 tons, engiruu. -yo-h.p., with 95 feet length 'by a bo>i; of :8 feet, and depth of bold* about 9 feet. Both are built on the latest designs, and are, to use the* words of Captain Fraser, “ better than any of-their class in the Old Country." Everything on board is up to date, even the tyincbes on the decks are covered with plates to '■ prevent accidents. They are compound twin-screw,, surface condensing! steamers, are fitted with electric -light, and have everything needed for laying : down and picking up submarine mines. The officers have splendid accommodation for’ard, and the crew are situated aft On the passage out, the vessels in ordinary weather steamed knots, but an average of io£ knots can be maintained by them if necessary. The Janie Seddon was when ■ leaving Greenock commanded by Captain Robert Fraser, R.N.R. Owing to the illness of Captain.Moorhouse ot the Lady Roberts, who had to remain behind in Australia, his place was taken by Captain Fraser, 1 and the command of the Janie Seddon was allotted to Mr A. H. Aitken, chief officer.

The steamers came via the Red Sea, having left the Old Country on 28th September. - They sailed from Albany on the 26th December for Melbourne, and owing to more adverse weather,' had to put into WarmambooTtfor coal, \ but arrived at the sth inst. Two days later the.passage to Wellington was continued, and fineweather prevailed till Cape Farewell was sighted. Both vessels 1 passed there at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, and later on put into Golden Bay.-The vessels resumed the, journey -at 5.30* p.tn. the same day, and arrived in Wellington on Thursday afternoon* The J anie Seddon will probably be stationed at Wellington, jmd the Lady Roberts at Auckland.—Times.