Trial Cruise of the Teutonic.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 419, 19 October 1889, Page 3

Trial Cruise of the Teutonic.

On the invitaiion of Messrs Ismay, Imrie, and Co. a party of gentlemen, numbering about 100, left Lime - street Station by special train for Holy head to embark on board the new White Star Royal mail steamer Teutonic for a trial cruise preparatory to the vessel going to the great naval inspection at Spithead, in which she is to represent the most recent form of mercantile armed cruiser. The huge ship, though much larger than any previous vessel built for the Company, being indeed little short of the dimensions of the Great Eastern from stem to stern, presents the same graceful Mnes as other vessels of the White Star line, but is entirely different from them in the matter of rigging, yards having been entirely dispensed with. In the schooner rig of the vessel there is, however, abundance of provision for an ample spread of canras if this at any time should be found necessary or desirable. The Teutonic, which was in command of Captain Parsell, R. N. R., possesses all the well-known features of the vessels of the White Star line, but in an improved and enlarged form. The length of the ship. is 582 feet, and the promenade deck is ao arranged that passengers cati walk the whole length withoutencountering impediments or sutlering inconvenience either from the heat of the funnels or the heat and smell of the engine-room or the cooking galloys. A sumptuously-appointed library is upon this deck, and will in bad weather be an agreeable resort, though those who prefer the open air under such con ditions may gratify their feelings by promenading along each side of the wnole of the midship portion of the deck, which has been entirely roofed over with woodwork. This in fine weather affords agreeable protection against the glare and beat of the sun. From the next deck all quarters of the ship can be easily approached. Upon it, as upon the promenade deck, there are numerous superbly finished and luxuriously appointed state rooms, and a cosy smokeroom, the furniture in which is admirably designed to encourage lounging and repose. The promenades on this deck also extend the whole length of the ship, and will afford abundant opportunities to emigtants to take the air. Descending to the next, or main deck, the principal salocn is the mo?t striking feature. Situated in the middle of the ship, both as regards length and depth, it is upon entering this spacious apartment that the trieat breadth of beam, which is 57 feet 6 inche*-, is realised. Ivory and gold are the prevailing tones in the elaborate and highly artistic decorations of ceiling and walls. The ventilation is excellent, and is arranged with mjch artibtic "kill, a series of air shafts along the ceiling midway between the walls of the ship and the dome being tastefully filled in with prisms of glass radiating from a eilded centre in very ornamental form. The saloon is seated ' for 300 petssons, the full complement of passengers in this department, and when illuminated with the electric light, which is used throughout the ship, presents a gay and cheerful appearance that is in keeping with the festive features of the spacious chamber when dinner ia in progress. Fore and aft of the saloon are sleeping apartments, baths, and all the other appointments that are now usually associated with the equipment of Ablanticlinerci. The vessel, beingintended for naval as well a? mercantile purpose?, carries four breach-loading rifled guns — two at the bow and two at the stern — and has been constructed in numerous water-iight compartments, between which there is no communication below water mark The machinery has also been placed low down in the hull, with admirable results so far as the passengers are concerned, an absence of vibration being one of the most notable and agreeable characteristics of the ship.,