The Sun.
London, England, 1856-10-27 00:00:00

STEAM TRADE TO AUSTRALIA.

To-day a grand dejeuner will be given on board the
splendid steam screw clipper Istanboul, lying in the Vic
toria (London) Docks, to celebrate the inauguration of a
new and much-needed line of vessels between the me-
tropolis and the Australian colonies. The entertainment
is given by the Australian Steam-clipper Company
(limited), and the Lord Mayor, Sir Morton Peto, and
many other individuals of eminence in civic and mercan-
tile circles, are among the invited guests. This remark-
ably fine first-class vessel, which leaves the Thames for
Melbourne on the 10th of November, is described as of
2,200 tons burthen ; and, besides great capacity for
cargo, has superior and varied accommodation for a
considerable number of passengers, at rates much
below any offered hitherto in London, considering
the conveniences offered and the scale of dietary gua-
ranteed. At she lies alongside' the jetty she does not
at first sight present that appearance of immense size
which is suggested by her tonnage ; but an exa i
„wain of her breadth of beam and depth of hold
soon removes this impression. An adequate idea or
h r oimensions is only obtained by standing on the
poop, a point of view which enables the eye to
take in length and breadth at one g ante. The Luna-
h-r of boats, and the provision aginst contingencies iu
the shape of life buoys, &c., te,tify to the care shown
for true lives of the passengers and crew ; and in all the
arrangements the latest improvements in nautical science
have been availed of. The chief cabin, the scene of to-
day's festivity, is remarkable fur its length and the chas.te
beauty of its decorations, in both of which features
it may vie with those of the greet Transatlantic
The front is of polished mahogany, and on each
side of the doors are lonic pilasters, with gilded
capitals. Internally the fittings are white, the panel.
being relieved with gilt mouldings of a very tasteful
character ; arid a handsome chandelier is suspended from
the ceiling. The establishment if a regular line of steam-
clippers, of the size of the Istanboul, and fiited vve h like
sumptuousness, willcomtnenceanew era from a new point,
in our intercourse with Australia, and induce many persons
from thesouthern countries and the metropolis to proceed
thitheri wi
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oaf rtehnoos
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soeurrcreesdobf y
d lengthiBc.,:rt passagewaned ap-
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hemar
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daosnadcicroetcutp. anTimheenitsstaonfb,a,uni, Ai
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voyage
&fitly expected, will make the run outwards under fifty
days. Nething that expenditure or exp rience can con-
tribute to render it a safe and plea ast, as well as a
speedy one, is neglected on the part of the company,
who appear resolved to make their line a model
one for its purpose ; the Istanboul being certainly
au excellent earnest of their intentions thus far
at all events. She has ben visited by large
numb rs during the last few days at the Vic-
toria Docks, which teem in great request for ocean.
going steamers traHing to London, Mr. W. Lindsay's
Indian Steam fleet being now berthed there, as also the
pioneer of the new clipper screw fleet for the West
Coact of South America. Ttie extent of these docks,
the facility they afford of ingress and egress, and the
fact of there being direct railway communication thence
to all parts of the kingdom, seem to account for their
popularity, irrespective of economic rates, as compared
with the older and more confined London, St Ka-
therine':,
and other docks.—Liverpool Albion (ilonday).