THE KOTOMAHANA AND KAIKOURA

It appears that the R.M.s.s. Kaikoura aud the Union Steamship Company's Eotomabana lelt Wel lington on Monday afternoon in company, bound to Lyttelton, and as both the steamers have a reputa tion for more than ordinary speed, great interest was felt on board both steamers as to the result. The followiog is an account of tho run, from time taken by Mr Millward, second officer of the Kai koura:—The Kaikoura left the wharf at 5.10 p.m., having to back out stern first, and go a considerable distance down the harbour in this position before turning. Just as ther left the wliarf the Roto mahana whistled, getting away shortly after wards, and coming up level with the bigger boat off Harbour Point. Roundingthe point the Rotomahana tried to cut inside, but failed to do so. The larger steamer taking longer to get up steam and gather way on her. the Rotomahana came up and passed the Kaikoura, playing under her bows, and dipping her ensignas a sort of challenge to come on. This went on until about two miles past Pencarrow head, where the bigger vessel, warming to her work, passed tbe Union Company's beautiful boat, and gradually left her until she was lost, sight of, the Kaikoura arriving about an hour and a half before the other boat turned up. Time of leaving wharf 5.10 p.m., 5.13 dropped pilot, 6.15 passed Pencarrow Head, 6.25 passed the Rotomahana, passed Cape Campbell at 8.30 p.m., made Godley Heads at 5.20 a.m., and the wharf at 6.10 a.m,, about an hour and a half ahead of tbe Rotomahana,

It may be mentioned that the distance between the two heads is 162*1 miles, and from the Welling ton wharf to heads six miles, Lyttelton Heads to wharf four miles. The time between the two heads was llh fitnin, and allowing three-quarters of an hoar for the two harbours, this gives a rate of speed of 14*6 per hour—uot bad travelling. The previous best on record, made by the Rotomahana, we are in formed, is I2h lfimiii, iising all herboiler3; and sup posing that the allowance of 45 minutes fnr travel ling tlie length of the two hours is a sufficient one, that would make the Kaikoura's passago equal to llh SOmin from wliarf lo wharf, 20 minutes better than the Kotomahana's best on record.—Lyttelton Times.
