TRIAL TRIP OF THE PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL STEAMSHIP AUSTRALIA: This fine vessel, which was added to the Peninsular and Oriental Company’s fleet some six weeks ago, and which has made one voyage to Alexandria and back, was taken to Stokes-bay on Wednesday for a trial at the measured mile, under the command of Captain R. Methven, previous to her being despatched to India for service on that station. Since her return from the Mediterranean, she has been fitted with a new four-bladed screw, 17ft. 6in. in diameter, and 23ft. to 25ft. pitch, and the alteration has produced the most satisfactory results, adding to the previous good rate of speed of the ship. She made two runs on the mile, there being no wind and no tide at the time, the first of which was accomplished in 4min. 22 secs., equal to 13.748 knots per hour, and the second in 4min. 18 secs., or 13.953 knots, the true mean of the two being 13.850 knots; revolutions of engines, 59; pressure of steam, 40 lb; vacuum, 26. … (continues) … The party on board at Wednesday’s trial included Messrs. Thornton and James Allan, and Captain J.R. Engledue, three of the company’s directors, Captain Black, and Mr. A. Lamb. The general and engineering superintendents at Southampton, Mr. Caird, builder of the ship, and Mr. Robertson, head manager of the firm, Captains Soames and Steward, Messrs. Sutherland, Witt, Pinsent and other officials of the company at the London and Southampton establishments. …
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive
Referenced
GRO0420 India: Henry John Pinsent: 1812 – 1894