The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1849-03-13 00:00:00

LAUNCH OF THE " MARGARET RIDLEY."

On Saturday, about noon, there was launched from the
building-yard of Messrs. P. Cato and Co. a fine brig,
built for Messrs. Harrison, Ridley, and Harrison, mer-
chants, of this town, and intended for the Newfoundland
and Mediterranean trade,—occasionally calling (we are
informed) at this port. The day being fine, and ship
launches much too " few and far between" latterly
amongst us, exciting almost a curiosity, a large number
of spectators congregated on the spot, and were much
gratified by inspecting the vessel, and afterwards wit-
nessing her admirable induction into her destined

element.
The following are the dimensions of the vessel:—
Length of keel
Breadth, or beam....
7/

Depth amidships..
Burthen (old measurement) 243 46-91 tons.
In model the Margaret Ridley is truly a most sym-
metrical and admirable specimeh of naval architecture,
alike creditable to the science of the draughtsman, Mr.
Cato, and the liberality and enterprise of the owners.
She is in fine all that can be desired by the most fastidious
judge, in form of bottom, fineness of extremities, and
beautiful blending of lines; and we may venture to say,
without fear of erroneous anticipation, will turn out to be
a veritable " clipper." Her materials are of the best
quality, well seasoned, chiefly English oak, and put to-
gether with the greatest fidelity in fastenings and finish,
no expense having been spared to render her a first-rate
twelve years' ship.
All being in readiness she was released from her posi-
tion, and rejoicing in her freedom, moved along the ways,
and speedily overcoming her vis inertice' glided sub-
limely into the bosom of the Mersey amidst enthusiastic
cheers. Her name was given in the usual form by the
lady of Gilbert Henry Harrison, Esq., the senior owner.
When the surge had subsided she floated lightly and grace-
fully, swan-like, in the water, giving assurance that when
she is fully equipped she will present a most " rakish" ap-
pearance, and be hard to beat. She bears a handsome
figure-head, and her stern is tastefully carved, to cor-
respond. _ _ _

Immediately after the launch, upwards of 200 ladies and
gentlemen, invited guests of the owners and builders, sat
down to an elegant and admirably served cold collation,
wines, and dessert, in the spacious mould room of the
establishment. Mr. P. Cato occupied the chair, and Mr.
James Harrison the vice-chair, Rogers's bras band was
in attendance, and enlivened the feast by playing appro-
priate airs. After the loyal toasts were disposed of, with
cheering,
The CHAIRMAN gave " Success to the Margaret Rid-
ley," which was received with three times three.
The VICE-CHAIRMAN returned thanks. He was highly
gratified to find so many around him who had kindly come
to witness the launch of the beautiful little craft. He
doubted not but she would turn out to he a clipper ; and
the name of her builders was a sufficient guarantee that
she would be as strong as she was swift. He truly con-
curred in the toast, that she might be successful, for that
was of vital importance to the owners themselves.
The CHAIRMAN then gave "the health and prosperity
of the owners," which was also received with loud cheers.
Mr. BARTON, brother-in-law of Mr. Harrison, returned
thanks, in the absence of that gentleman from indisposi-
tion. Being a relative of the owners, he should not say
much regarding them ; but he trusted he might remark
that they were energetic, honest and upright men. He
himself wished them every success, and all possible happi-
ness to their wives and families. Had Mr. Harrison senior
been in good health, he would have rejoiced to have been
present, and to thank them for the honour conferred by
the toast. He (Mr. B.) in responding for him, could
but wish all present health and happiness. (Cheers.) He
concluded by proposing, in highly complimentary terms,
" the health of Messrs. Cato and Co., with that of the
ship-builders of Great Britain. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. CAT° said he felt exceedingly proud of the manner
in which the toast had been proposed and received. As
regarded the vessel that had just been launched, he trusted
that in her sailing qualities she would not be the last, but
' the first. She would carry her goods sooner to market
than a duller sailer, and this itself often yielded a great pe-
cuniary advantage. With respect to ship-building, he
might say, there was no kind of mechanic, artisan, or
trade, but who benefitted from it. He had received an
order to build a ship, which had already been draughted
on that floor, and he was in treaty for the purchase of the
oak from Lord Bagillt, so that the landowner, too, was
benefitted. He hoped the shipbuilders of the country
would not be foiled by a repeal of the navigation laws.
He and his partner, at times, employed 400 hands, includ-
ing apprentices : and what would become of them if these
laws were repealed ? If the trade was taken from us, the
foundations of British society would be shaken to the
ground, for our shipbuilding was the key-stone of our
maritime greatness. He trusted that those authorities
who had the power would never permit those laws to be
put aside. (Cheers.) He proposed the health of the lady
that christened the ship—Mrs. G. H. Harrison, which
was drunk with enthusiasm.
The Rev. Mr. WALKER, of Crosby, responded to the
toast, remarking that British ships were not alone valuable
in carrying out cargoes and returning with others ; but if
properly officered and manned, were also valuable in con-
veying civilization and religious enlightenment to less
favoured countries.
The next toast from the chair was " the Clergy and the
Church of England," which was feelingly responded to by
the Rev. Wm. Stewart, incumbent of Hale.
Mr. FRODSHAM proposed the health of the lady after
whom the vessel was named. This was received with
cheers, and was ably replied to by the Vice-Chairman.
`The Shipowners of. Great Britain." was given from the

chair, as a class who would be the first to suffer if the na-
vigation laws were repealed. (Cheers.)
A variety of other toasts followed, and after a few hours
of m;mingled enjoyment, the company separated. The
foremen, clerks, and others of the establishment were then
sumptuously entertained at the same board.