SOMETHING LIKE A RIVER STEAMER.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 3, Issue 110, 8 November 1879, Page 2

SOMETHING LIKE A RIVER STEAMER.

• #~ Having introduced every possiblo improvement on board the lona, the olticials who were transferred to the new steel vessel tho Columba, which took her place on tho Clyde bust season, have now turned their attention to that steamer, and complete as she appeared to be in all her appointments, thoy have made some important changes which will still further conduce to the comfort of tourists. Although not much the worso of her three months' active service last summer she has been as thoroughly overhauled as if sho had been running a number of years, and will resumo her journeys this morning- as fresh aud clean as when she originally left the hands of tho builders. It may bo repeated that the Columba iB in the front rank of river stoamers ; and with all the lines of iiploosure yacht; she has tho dimensions in everything but depth of an Atlantic liner. The first noticeable alteration is tho enlargement of the staircases leading from the promenade deck to the saloon, which have been considerably widened. Tho apartment between them, which was used as a smoking-room is now converted into an office for the puqwso of sorting letters, either posted on board or collected en route. Tho practice hitherto has been that letters posted at Dunoon for RothoBay, or any other place on tho Clyde, woro taken back to Greenock, aud then forwarded to their doUiuatiou. By (he new plan no such dolay will be occasioned and the rapid delivery obtained by tho employment of a recognized postal olliuial ou board will provo a great boon, not only to tourists, but to all coast visitors. Tho abolition of the smoking room is a decided improvement, leaving out of sight the important service to which it is now devotnl.'ns ii was ii bit of a nuinarieo to every cue who pnticd up and down

stairs: whilo lovers of the fragrant weed can find arnplo aecoramodotion in other parts if the vessel, where they enn enjoy their pipe or cigar without offending th* 9 nostrils of their fellow-passengere. Tho handsome lavatories, both for ladies and gentlemen, have been rejwinted and decorated anew, and their fittings have been reeilvered. In the fine saloon a number of new features have been introduced, which vastly improve both the comfort and appearance ol the apartment. The plate-glass windows, which afforded such a glorious view of the passing |coneryhave now been so constructed that they may be opened or shut at pleasing and there will bean entire absence of(hat stifling atmosphere characteristic of cabins inmostotherhoats. Theceilingof thii.ind thediningsaloonbelowhaslieenancinMencilleiu light elate upon a richgroundol ribbod gold, and, being panelled with boldly mounted girders, also minted blue, Mks a wonderfully light and agreeable efjbctThe semicircular space at the stenj, to which an air of roominess has been imparted out. of proportion to its sizo by mirrrors, has this season been fitted up as an elegant drawing-room, ' witif a luxuriously and agreeable . effect. Mr. Turner, who superintends tie djiing saloon, has wisely confined his attention to* the decorations, resting contra) tMth the thorough revolutions he effected last year in his department. Instead of .the company dining all at one time and all at one table, little parties may be organised, and have their own table and be sefved whenever they* feel inclined, f Pawing amidships, the next marked alteration is the improvement in the engine-room.—-always a favourite lounge for travellers. Large and spacious though it was at first it has been made additionally attractive by piercing the deck with numerous lights. Quite as much attention has been jiaid to the fore part of the ship, and the saloons have likewise been repainted and freshly upholstered. The refreshmentbar and the drinking fountain have had all their silver fittings passed through the hands of the plater, and are as bright aud rich as they were on the opening cruise. An important addition in this section of tho ship is a bath-room, fitted up ro as to supply salt-water baths. Many of those who travel by the Oolumba come direct from London and join the vessel at Greenock, and to such tourist* tie bath will prove a great luxury after the night journey. In the working part of the vessel some material reform have been effected, and though not visible to the eyn passengers will feel the benefit of them. The engines have been overhauled, and the great speed attained last year has been augmented. On her trial trip tho Oolumba went at the rate of twenty ones and a half miles an hour, aud this hasl been still further increased, and her ordi- jj nary speed will now be about 221 miles an hour.—Glasgow Nowa Junoij 28th ' |: