Kapunda - Maiden Voyage

The latest addition to the Australian coastal fleet is the Kapunda, which arrived here yesterday morning on her maiden voyage from West Hartlepool, where she was built to the order of the Melbourne Steamship Co., Limited by Messrs. William Gray and Co., the well known ship builders.

The Kapunda, which is intended for the company’s passenger and cargo trade, is both larger and faster than any of the other steamers of her fleet, and is generally constructed on more stylish lines.

She is 341ft. In length, 45ft in breadth, and has a loaded draught of 20ft. 10in., her displacement being equal to 6,530 tons. Her engines are of the triple expansion type, and on her trial trip sh maintained an average speed of 13.4 knots per hour without difficulty.

The Kapunda has a full poop, extra long bridge, and a topgallant forecastle, the bulwarks being carried same height as the bridge, with large doors for taking in cattle and cargo.

Accommodation for first class passengers in houses on the bridge deck and for steerage passengers on the poop the officers and engineers being housed amidships.
The dining saloon, which is on bridge deck, is a lofty handsome apartment, fitted in light oak, with morocco leather upholstery. There is a large skylight overhead with ornamental glass. Quite adjacent stands the music-hall which is similarly equipped and furnished, whilst a massive piano specially built to stand the Australian climate contributes materially to the handsome surroundings.

The gentleman’s smoke room, buffet, and bar are in mahogany, and most comfortably appointed, whilst on the deck above a cosy and luxuriously furnished ladies boudoir is a feature of the ship. The cabins are large and airy, and equipped in the latest style for passenger comfort a remark which applies equally to the bathrooms, lavatories, and other parts of the ship.

Electricity is installed throughout, and on every hand there is evidence that the designers of the vessel had given the subject of passenger comfort the closest study. One of the most striking characteristics of the Kapunda is the abundant ventilation provided throughout her accommodation. The ship is schooner rigged, having two masts, with eight derricks, one of which is capable of lifting 10 tons. As a precaution against danger the vessel is built with seven water-tight bulkheads, whilst her life-saving equipment is ample and up to date.

Upon arrival the Kapunda berthed up the river. She only made one call-at cape town- during her long voyage. No coal was taken on board at the Cape, however, but only stores, and the vessel therefore accomplished the whole trip from West Hartlepool without replenishing bunkers.

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