NEW WAIKATO RIVER STEAMER.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 626, 25 May 1876, Page 2

NEW WAIKATO RIVER STEAMER.

D using the last few months a new paddle steamer for the Waikato River trade has b3on in process of coastruetiou for and by Mr rtobert P. Gibbons, at Onehanga. It is now finished, and wa3 launched on Moaday last The dimensions are as follows:-- . Lanjfth overall, 71ft; breadth of beam, 12ft 4in ; depth of hold, 20ft lOin ; heig4& ( of hurricane deck, 7ft. All the gear%- ' raado of cast steel, tested to stand a strain" of 23 tons to the square inch. The hull 1 of the boat is composed of 15 watertight compartments, with manholes o?er each, so that in case of striking a snag there is no danger of the boat sinking, and the damage can be easily ascertained. This is a "reat feature in its construction. The framework is also of peculiarly ingenious formation. It is composed of timbers 4in tfide by 2Un thick, steam turned, passing right under the bottom aud up the sides, and braced longitudinally by «m by sia beams, braced right through. The steamer is calculated to carry 35 tons of cargo and 100 passengers on a draft of 18in of water. The proprietor intends to fit up the cabins in first-claM «tyle. He will take charge of tiie engineering department himself, and from his well-known skill in scientific manipulation of engines the public may rest assured that the boat will give a good account ef herself in th© matter of spaed. Mr Angui Cauipbell will have charge of the boat.