The Takapuna arrived from Lyttelton at 8.40 yes terday morning, and Joft last night for New Ply mouth ami Onohunga. The Walbora returnee! from South at9.3on.rn. yesterday, and left in the afternoon for Sydney via East Coast and Auckland. Tho Anglian, from Sydney via Auckland and East Coast, arrived shortly after noon yesterday. She wont on to tho South at 5 o’clock, and will return to this port next Thursday, leaving same day for Syd ney via the usual ports. Tho Mawhora loft Orcymonth on tho Ist. West port on the 2nd, Nelson at 12.20 p.m. yesterday, and arrived hero at 11.20 last night. The Waihi arrived from Blenheim at 5.1,1 p.m. yesterday, having crossed the bar at 11.30 in the morning. As tho Waverley had to seek shelter in Port Underwood while on her way to Kekcrangu, her trip to Wellington was abandoned. LAUNCHING OF THE NEW GOVERNMENT STEAMER. The Glasgow Herald of May 20th contains par ticulars of the launching of the now steamer which was ordered some time ago by tho New Zealand Government. The vessel, which was launched by Messrs David J. Dunlop and Co., engineers and ship builders, Inch Works. Port Glasgow, from their yard, is' a handsomely-modelled steel twin-screw steamer of tho following dimensions, viz.—length between perpendiculars, 205 ft; breadth, moulded, 30ft; depth, moulded, 15ft 9in. Tho steamer Is specially designed for cable laying and repairing purposes, two largo circular cable tanks being tilted, one forward and one abaft of machinery space. The cable machinery and nil fittings for paying out and SSSL"!S Tli.* bti'ldera arc fitting two sets of triple i "•.r.'r fou Olivines to ;Uo vessel, having cylin ders kijin. 25in and -Win diameter, with a stroke of bOm.V.nd two main boiltws 13ft lin diameter x 10ft ilin h.mg. A Jjrgo auxiliary boiler is also being supntiH. Tho whole of the machinery has hem, designed for a working pressure of 1701 b. Tim outfit of tho steamer includes a steam capstan windlass and screw-steering gear, shui.rn winches, steam steering gear, and a complete installation of electric lighting and bolls. Spactoua state-room accommodation, dining saloon, and apartments fox navigating and cable officers ia

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