LAUNCH OF THE ST. KILDA.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1117, 21 October 1873, Page 2

LAUNCH OF THE ST. KILDA.

The Auckland Herald of the 4th instant reports that the alterations and improvements to the screw steamer St. Rida have been completed. The work of launching her was very successfully accomplished under the superintendence of Mr Gouk, and the vessel glided down her ways into the water without a hitch occurring. This well-known iron steamer since being placed on the stocks has been lengthened 24 feet. The contractor for the work was Mr R. H. Yeoman. To enable the task to be accomplished the vessel was cut amidships, and the fore part hauled anend. The old plating was found in splendid order, notwithstanding the wear and tear the vessel had undergone. One or two defective plates, and some of the old frames also found defective were replaced with new ones. A poop 30ft in lenghth has been added to the vessel. It is constructed of boiler-plate iron, and affords large and increased accommodation for passengers, a vast improvement upon the limited accommodation formerly afforded between decks. Practical men testify that in cutting the hull it was revealed how splendidly she had been built, having been constructed of good boiler plates. The angle-irons are also of much larger scantling, and much closer together, the diagonal strapping and gusset-pieces much heavier and more numerous than the more modern-built iron vessels, and also than required by Lloyds. Now, ships of the present day are usually built of iron specially made for ship-building purposes, and called " boat-plates," which are far inferior in quality to the boiler-plates. There is no doubt that the St. Kilda is a substantially built vessel; and it is a credit to our port to be enabled to state that the alterations have been carried out in a

styla entirely corresponding with the manner in which the steamer has been built, or more properly speaking, with the original work. In determining to have the alterations carried out in this port instead of sending the vessel to Australia, the owners have acted wisely, for the work has been more economically performed than it could have been done in Sydney or elsewhere. They have set an example which they cannot regret, and which others have failed to set before them. The manner in which the improvements have been carried out in the St. Kilda prove that the Auckland manufacturer is quite capable of competing successfully with any other either in or out of the colony. The increase of tonnage to the St. Kida will bring her to about 150 tons register, while her draught of water has been lessened by nearly two feet. The engines belonging to the steamer have been almost entirely reconstructed by Messrs Masefield and Co., and will give her increased speed. These will be fitted in without delay, and the steamer will be ready for sea in in about a fortnight. It is expected that she will continue in the Wanganui trade.

An amusing incident occurred in connection with the launch. The steamer appeared loth to leave the slip, and two or three screw-jacks were brought into, requisition, for the purpose of giving her an impetus. Just at this moment a peltering shower of rain came down, which drove the workmen away to seek shelter. A few minutes after, the vessel began to move of her own accord. This was observed by a little lad, about ten years of age, and he at once commenced to shove her off. His efforts were sucsessful, and, single-handed, he was enabled to send the vessel into the water. The sight of so small a boy pushing the ponderous iron vessel down the ways was ludicrous in the extreme.