THE WAR STEAMER FOR VICTORIA.

Southland Times, Issue 694, 10 July 1867, Page 2

THE WAR STEAMER FOR VICTORIA.

: A few interesting particulars hare come to us (says the Argus) respecting the s.s. Nelson, 46, the new man-of-war, partly purchased from and partly presented by the Imperial Grovernment to this colony, and which we are to expect in our waters before the winter is over. She comes to us under the command of Captain 0. B. Payne, E.N.. a gentleman already indentified with Victorian defences" Captain Payne, then in rank only a lieutenant, was for many years secretary to the Victorian Steam Navigation Board, and left that post to join the paid staff of the Victorian volunteer force. He had been a volunteer officer before, the organisation and high- . disciplined, condition of the Naval Brigade being not a little of his work. "When Mr. Verdon proceeded to England on his late mission, he selected Mr. Payne, who ranked as captain of volunteers, to act as his secretary, and the Nelson being obtained, the latter remained behind to bring her out. We are pleased to be able to add that while in England Captain. Payne watj reinotatocl ia. ihz> navy, with the rank of commander, so that, as the Admiralty having agreed to his I suggestion to commission the Nelson, he can hoist his pennent, and bring her out as a man-of-war under Imperial colours and discipline, getting things which otherwise would be denied him. He is at present superintending her outfit at the dockyard, but the officials there being inclined to put off the affairs of the "colonial vessel" as they call her, the worry and anxiety respecting her are . consideraDle. The vessel coming out under Imperial colours and discipline is a great advantage, and Captain Payne's plan is that, he shall, while in command, inaugurate the system that will have to be subsequently carried out, as regards the naval reserve and the boys' training, introducing as far as practicable the rules and regulations of the Imperial service. For this purpose he will bring with him as officers, one executive official, viz., a master in the navy, who can assist in navigating, and who, if not retained by the colony, can be sent home ; and three warrant officers, viz. — „ two gunners and a boatswain, who will have to keep watches on the way out. These officers Captain Payne has selected from training ships, so that, besides being k good and useful men, they may have the system at their fingers' ends. His crew he will pick up for the voyage only, but he has selected four instructors, the very best H.M.S, Excellent can produce, one of whom has gone through his Hythe and Shoeburyness courses and turret-drill, and another who has been sent to Woolwich for instruction in torpedoes under Professor Abel, the Grovernment chemical instructor. The engineers are also, with one exception, engaged only for the voyage, and all these named, with an assistant-paymaster or clerk, will be, with 150. men, the vessel's ■ compliment. Captain Payne is of opinion that by transferring the establishment of the Sir Harry Smith (the training-ship off Williamstown) to the Nelson, there will be enough to keep her in order, and thus those now employed in the colony will be provided for. The Admiralty, will, it is believed, lend the officers named, who will be borne on the senior officer's ship's books, so that if a very good man is not obtained, he can be got rid of by exchange or discharge into any man-of-war on the colonial station. The number of men required to work the ship for defensive purposes will be at least 450, who could be raised aa naval reserve men from the places where seamen most do coa,n gregate,