THE P.S. NEVADA AT PORT CHALMERS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 818, 30 May 1871, Page 2

THE P.S. NEVADA AT PORT CHALMERS.

"With respect to the visit of the Nevada to Port Chalmers, the Dunedin correspondent of the "Argus" writes:—The pioneer ship of the new Pacific Mail Service, the p.s. Nevada, arrived iD our harbour on Wednesday, and brought up off Koputai Bay, Port Chalmers. It was nearly low water when she crossed the bar. This circumstance must be rather a bitter leek for those croakers who, ever since this line was mooted, have maintained that these vessels would never get into Otago harbour; that they were too this and too that, &c. But all this is over; for here, patent to everybody, is the vessel, having crossed the bar at a time when there was the least water, with about eight feet to spare, and a heavy sea running. I went down to Port Chalmers with the crowd on Thursday, to have a look at Webb's big ship, the Nevada. Considerable interest was manifested on board the harbour boat as we steamed down, and as Observation Point was rounded, every eye was directed towards the spot in the bay occupied by the newcomer. And certes, from the outside she is no beauty. A long ugly, even-up-and-down bow, no bowsprit, two squat-looking masts, schooner-rigged, two wide black funnels, and a great walking beam in the centre of all, with the numerous deck-houses and tophampers, gave her altogether a very singular and uncouth look. Once on board, however, all this was changed ; her ugliness disappeared in the size and pleasantness of the various apartments, the fittings and apurtenances of which are really very fine and complete. The steamer in which I went down was crowded, and there was another one alongside, which had conveyed on board all the High School boys and the teachers, but the big boat gorged them all up, and they scattered themselves over tho whole place without in the least appearing to cause inconvenience. Her engine so different from tho usual run of" steamers in these waters, was very much admired—tho size and strength

of fclie various .parts exciting every one'swonder. A cylinder of 12 feet stroke and 7 feet in diameter is not seen every day. Her cabin, and general living and sleeping accommodation, are very complete, embracing every modern improvement, from iced water to a barber's shop. The state-rooms are mostly for three, and are very light and roomy, with plenty of water.