LAUNCH OF THE "IRRESISTIBLE.”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 182, 15 March 1860, Page 3

LAUNCH OF THE "IRRESISTIBLE.”

Another magnificent addition has been mado to the /Coyal Navy, by the launch of the line-of-battie screw steamer “ Irresistible,” 80 guns, which took place at the Chatham dockyard under the most auspicious circumstances. At twelve o’clock the dockyard gates were thrown open, and the public admitted without any restrictions; and bj r one o’clock, the hour fixed for the launch, all the available space near the slip was crowded with spectators; the river, too, being studded with boats filled with people. A number of raised seats, which r<’SC in the front of the slip in tho form orau. amphitheatre, were reserved for the principal visitors of distinctb n and the'office.s of the dockyard and garrison ; and these were decorated with flags and banners. There was also a booth near the bow of the ship for the Lords of the Admiralty and the chief officers of'tho • dockyard. The “ Irresistible ” was originally designed, for a sailing ship, but the experience of the last few years having shown the necessity which, exists for fitting all our large men of war ami , frigates with the avxiliary screw, she was accordingly, when only about half built, .ordered to be altered and adapted for a screw steamer, which having been done, she is now a very line vessel of her class. The 'following archer principal dimensions ; ■ ft. in. Length between perpendiculars 190:0 Length of heel for tonnage . 158"4£' Extreme breadth. .9 Breadth for tonnage •. .• '3B'-0*

Breadth moulded . • • • 55 3 | Depth in hold ..... 23 4 1 Burthen in tons, 2642 BS-ff-iths. i She is pierced to carry 80 guns, all of which j ail* to he of the heaviest metal; her machinery! will be of 400 horse power. Her figure-head j "is a bust of Neptune. Every preparation having been.completed,| the ceremony of “ christening” the ship, wasj performed by Miss Williams, a relative of: Colonel M. Williams, the commanding Royal! Engineer at Chatham, who was conducted to | the bows of the ship by Mr. Lang. A bottle of wine was then dashed against the vessel bj* the.young lady,-and .the dog-shores having been knocked away, jV/iss.Williams severed the curd which held the last block of the vessel, and almost instantaneously the huge ship glided into the Medwajq amid the cheers of the assembled thousands, the band playing “ Buie Britannia.”