The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-08-01 00:00:00

THE NEW SCREW STEAMER SOVEREIGN

Some time ago we had the pleasure of noticing the
launch of this fine screw propellor, built by the eminent
firm of Messrs. Vernon and Son, for the Liverpool and
Bristol Channel Steam Packet Company, and yesterday
we had the satisfaction of being one of a large party, who
were privileged to witness her first trial trip. The pro-
duction of fine steamers in Liverpool, has been the
theme of praise for some years past, and every day adds
to the progress made in this great field of enterprise, and
although the Sovereign is not one of the largest vessels
built in our port, she deserves more than ordinary notice,
both in reference to her construction, her engines, and
general economy, as a merchant vessel, and one calculated
to afford passengers the largest amount of comfort and
accommodation. The Sovereign is an iron:vessel, and her
builders, Messrs. Vernon & Son, have left nothing undone
to make her worthy of that well-known house. She is
170 feet long, 25 beam, and 13 feet deep, with a large
capacity for stowage. Her tonnage 0.m., is 515 tons;
but, of course, she can carry much more than that. She
has full flash decks from stem to stern, and full open
from side to side. Her cabin is a full poop,
and is fitted up with all the recent improve -
ments which experience warrants, and everything that
can afford passengers comfort has been adopted. The
state saloon is a very pretty apartment, and, unlik e
cabins in other vessels, the sleeping rooms form sep crate
places at the head of the saloon. There is a double
excellence in this arrangement, as the rooms serve for
retiring as well as sleeping apartments. The second
cabin, set apart for deck passengers, is the best
of the sort we ever observed in any ship carrying this class
of passengers. We have always maintained the rights to
which this Blass of the community are entitled, and we
are proud to say that the Sovereign has come up to our
notions in this regard. She can take upwards of 100 of
this class of passengers. with ease to all. The Sovereign
has been constructed on the most approved scientific
principles—her lines are very fine, and her general calcu-
lation as to speed averages from 10 to 12 knots, as a sea
boat, an hour. Her performances yesterday realised all
that was expected of her in this respect. Her engines
have been built by Mr. John Jack, whose work is so well
known and admired. They are of 100-horse power norni-
nally, but of course capable of working up to 50 per cent.
more if required. They are constructed on the direct
principle, so peculiar to Mr. Jack's establishment. The
great point about these engines is the fact, that they
occupy so small a space, and at the same time are so very'
effective. They worked admirably—cool and smooth.--
and Mr. Rollo, who ably conducts this department of Mr.
Jack's large establishment, was warmly congratulated on
his complete success. The trial trip of this fine boat took
place yesterday, under most favourable circumstances'
The day was peculiarly fine and warm, and the company
on board large and respectable, including a number of
ladies, who seemed to enjoy the trip very much. The
vessel started from the Clarence Basin about 10 o'clocic,
and proceeded towards the Isle of Sian. Amongst the
party present, we observed the following gentlemen---
Messrs. William Thompson (and family), "Vernon, jun'
(one of the builders), Jack (engine builder), and family
Kennedy, Bacon, J. Maudsley, Fowler, F. Simmonds,
E. Harper, W. E. Taylor, W. B Drake, R. Clay, captain
Parker, Captain W. J. Beckett, James Redmond, and
several other gentlemen.
As observed, the day was peculiarly fine, and as the
noble ship shot along on the surface of the water, all felt
the pleasure afforded by the circumstances which coal'
bined to render the day agreeable. This latter portioa
was considerably enhanced by the assistance of le
Morrish, of the Merchants' Dining Rooms, to whom the
arrangement of the banquet had been worthily assigned;
and although he was not present, he had an excellent
representative in the person of Mr. Robert Childe, vvbo
ably managed that portion of the proceedings. The bail•
quet consisted of everything that could be wished for, and
the wines (in profusion) embraced claret, champagne, W.
the princely owners having given a carte blanche to the
excellent caterer in this respect. We have not seen e
more superior repast laid out than that to which
company sat down on board the Sovereign yesterday. '
Mr. Vernon, jun., was in the chair, and Mr. Jack in the
vice-chair. The good things having been discussed, thi,
y,
chairman proposed the health of her Majesty the (2061
which was drunk with all the honours.
Mr. Bacon then proposed the health of the Prince
Wales, Prince Albert, and the rest of the royal faraill'
which was duly honoured.
Mr. Jack proposed the health of the Emperor of tlie
French. Drunk with all the honours.
Mr. Jack again proposed the Town and Trade of Liver
e;
pool, and as they had toasted one Sovereign, he trusted
they would wish success to the other, the Sovere'
steamer. (Cheers.) The toast was drunk with 10t1
applause.
Mr. Thompson being loudly called on, returned thank 1
and hoped that the noble ship, under the command j°
After thanking the company, he
Captain Blackett, would be as successful as they desir`-,1
ehwiighmhi
etthh yearsawt dasa iny
r. employment,etshp(eounedaer,:h teoari.
vnere
yunderwould
happyl Md r .
Captain Blackett. proposed the health "
n
The Captain returned thanks, and said he had bee;
his present employ, and he had always endeavourOte
do his duty, and he felt proud of the compliment paid if
his duty to the best of his ability, and with such a g
ship, he was not afraid of success. (Cheers.)
The next toast was, the " Owners, presentand'abse°
endeavourtersßedmondi ;160:
Bacon, who in very complimentary terms spoke of 't
builders of the ship, Messrs. Vernon and Son, and P 1
Grantham, the designer, of Mr. Jack, the constructer;
the engines, and he then proposed the tealth of #)
builders of the ship, Messrs. Vernon a.lld Son, which 4,
-
duly honoured.
Mr. Vernon,
inn., returned thanks, and said he itsi
•
proud of the fact that they had turned out so 01 '
m
ships from their yard, yet none more so than the soveredo
(Cheers.) They had endeavoured to do all they co GI
and that they had been in some measure successful' ,d
boat of that day proved. (Cheers.) After retain('
thanks in suitable terms, he proposed the health of 'Ol
Jack, the builder of the engines, which was drat:tic.°
loud applause,
101
Mr. Jack returned thanks to the toast, and hope-
A
t
as the town of Liverpool had been triumphant alresal'il
would be quite successful, which he should alfi:d
Tr
reign),
and the
Mr. health
Bacon .
endeavour to make it, and he hoped before loat'd
rd.ecoKraentonredyo,f
twhheichyeet
Copper Trade, Mr. Grantham
see a sister ship to the Sovereign, and Witlif
(the engineer o
her success as he had that day witnessed. 011
gentleman duly responded to. The following toasts td
then: given and responded to :--Mr. Thomson Odd
of the
of
fthMe
"The Ladies,"
which was responded to by Mr. 091.41,
inThappy and appropriate terms, and who, in an eulog,'"
speech proposed " The Press," and the "Nonlll,l,
TIMES and Post." Mr. Redmond, of the NORTHENII)
being called on, returned thanks, and did so in eleVod
and humorous terms. After a few more personal eilft
complimentary toasts, the company proceeded on di
and enjoyed the " balmy breezes," until the boat re?,
the Isle of Man, and having stopped there a few toio
Or",f
returned to Liverpool, where she arrived this morn' i
two o'clock, a.m., after a day of unalloyed pleasure, It
will be remembered for a long time, by all who 113",
pleasure of participating in it.

10d; Mrs. Alfred Mellon—a lady who, under her maideo t
of Miss Woolgar, was so universally and desert
n.
Lyceum Theatre.
pmoepauti a
with
h i
Mr.e a t t h
Dillone A dfeoirp htih; h ae
ns eicneap tseeclasaolA e

THE NENAGII RIOTS.--John Flemin_g F
, Esq., 11-11e411/.,
received the sum of £lO from the Lord Lieutenant, 1"
vate gift of his Excellency, for the widow of Gibbons'ol
poor pensioner who was accidentally shot in the late ri°
Nenagh —Guardian,
THE POTATO ELIGHT.—We regret to state that wit f,
u
last week communications have been received by 2,t
different parts of the county Leitrim, to the effect tii011;
great destroyer of our favourite esculent has again,;(d'
takeably made its appearance in that part of the coup
Sligo Independent.
A FINE OPENING FOR A NICE YOUNG SWIN..'
juvenile spendthrift, who had spent all his money, ?,,rioo°,i
than that, had covered himself with bills and (115",j911
upon being asked what he should do, coolly made 3 gl
" I have but two remedies left open to me—either 4
Sweden, or else get into Parliament."—Punch. 40 Pi/
Major-General Wyndham is expected shortly 'eceiei
with, and on his arrival in that city he will be re
with extraordinary demonstrations of respect and IV,
Tho gallant general, who is a native of Norfolk' idre,
entertained at a banquet in the well-known St. Arifie
hall. It is expected that the Earl of Alhenla'tO
preside on the occasion, and that at least 600 goes
assemble to„do honour to the hero of the feast.,,;