A JAPANESE GUNBOAT.

Patea Mail, 26 April 1881, Page 4

A JAPANESE GUNBOAT.

The Riujio is the first Japanese war vessel which has ever entered Port Philip, Victoria. The Japanese ensign is a white flag with a red ball in the centre. The Riujio, apart from her dusky-lined crew, might bo well taken for one of Her Britannic Majesty’s war vessels of the same class. There is the same build and rig, the same description of armament, a similar style of uniform, and apparently quite as much attention to cleanliness, order, and discipline. In fact, the characteristics of a British man-of-war are copied with surprising fidelity. The Rinjio is at present in commission as a training vessel, and is out for a six months’ cruise. This accounts for the number of youthful officers on board, the naval cadets alone numbering no fewer than 35. The Rinjio is ship-rigged, with a ram entrance, and has seven guns on deck. She is the composite order of naval architecture, and was built in 1860. Her register tonnage is 1459 and her displacement 2301 tons. She is a screw boat, and is driven by compound engines, horizontal, and working direct action on the screw. The effective power of the engines is equal to 800 horses, and the speed attained under ordinary conditions is nine knots. The ordnance on board comprises six 04 pounders (three on ouch side), and one revolving gun. The latter is a 100ponnder. They are of the description known as Vavasseur guns, and are kept in faultless order. In addition to these there are two brass 24-ponnders, for field or boat use. There is also a complete equipment of small arms on board, and the “ Japs ” are quite apt at the exercise. The complement of people on board is 350, of whom over 30 are officers. The English language is spoken well by nearly all the officers, and fluently by some, and there is no hesitancy or lack of comprehension during the interview. The Rinjio left Japan ou February 2, and arrived at Sydney on March 26.— Argus, April 9.