The Hawaiian gazette., 1883-04-25
Launch of a White Star Liner in Belfast

On Saturday morning. March, 9th, at half
past ten o'clock, the steamship Doric, con-
structed for the feet Of the White Star Line
by Messrs. Harland q Wolff, was launched
from the extensive ship building yard Of that
firm in Belfast. There was a large number Of
spectators present on both sides of the river,
and the launch of the vessel from the slips
was greeted with cheers. The Doric embraces
the general characteristics and symmetrical
beauties of all the well-known vessels of the
White Star Line. She has an extremely grace
full yacht-like hull, ample beam, and four
masts, square rugged or three, thereby prOvid-
ing sail power in the event Of mishap TO the
machinery. Ii the contingency Of a break
down in her machinery she would still possess
power fully equal 10 that of irsI-class sail
ing vessel. She has turtle backs both fore
and aft, which form excellent shelter in wet
or stormy weather for steeroge passengers
Immediately adjoining the wheelhouse aud
bridge is the captains cabin, so that official is
practically speaking, always at his post Of
duty. The officers arc quartered by Them
SELVES on the upper deck forward, quite apart
from the passengers, leaving as little as posi-
bic TO interfere with their sleep or the exceed
ton of their onerous duties The Storage
accommodation, which is approached 10y district
entrances, is in three sections, with separate
lavatories, continuously supplied with water
by means Of pulsometer pump. The single
men are all CHARTERED in the main and lower
decks forward, and between them and the
married people is the saloon accommodation
and engine space The quarters Of the single
women are still further aft. They have them
entirely to themselves, and will be in charge
a matron and qualified surgeon. An hospital,
replete with all necessaries, is provided for
each section, together with two on deck for
infectious diseases. The whole upper deck,
fore and aft, forms an excellent promenade
for the steerage passengers, the saloon passen-
gers having the exclusive use Of a deck above
this again. The saloon accommodation is Of the
most complete and unique description. 1t is
situated amidships, in the best and quietest
part Of the ship. The saloon itself, which is
arsisiically decorated, is approached from the
upper dock, and from it there is access to the
saloon deck already referred to- The sofas
will be upholstered ii subdued shade of rich
velvet. and will be luxuriously comfortable.
The ladies' cabin and the smoking room arc
on the saloon deck, and will be models Of ar
tistic decoration and furnishing. The sleep
ing cabin on the main deck will be thoroughly
Ventilated, airy. and large, in addition to being
lightly and elegantly furnished. Four beauti-
fully tiled and arranged bathrooms will be pro-
yided for saloon passengers, and in this res
pect the Doric will be unsurpassed by any
ship anoat. She will he illuminated By an
electric system, the light supplied being ex-
ceedingiy soft and steady. The ship CON-
prises eight Hater;ight compartments, any one
Of which may be penetrated without seriously
imperilling the vessels safety. The bulk
head watertight doors have been so highly
approved Of that they are being adopted in
her Majesty's navy as infinitely superior to
the old system of bulkhead openings. The
provisions against fire are comprehensive and
complete, an outbreak Of flame in any portion
of the vessel being thoroughly under the sub
lection of both water and steam. The life
saving apparatus is of highly approved
character. 1t consists Of two large RATS and
eight large lile-boats, with fittings complete
and ready for service on the shortest Iotce.
The Doric is built Of mild steel, the ductie
quality Of which ensures the maximum of
strength and durability. Her dimensions are
Length, 40 feet; breadth, A feet; depth,
80 feet; and the gross register tonnage, 1900
tons. She has two double-cyiindered engines,
built by Meesrs. Harland g. Wolf, the steam
being supplied from three elliptical boilers,
worked at an initial pressure OF 9Olb, to the
square inch, tested, however, by the Board Of
~ DN.' NN""'o '""' p'oSS"lC' "uu 'aPd-
bic OF sustaining pressure greatly exceeding
the maximum official requirement The crank
shafts are Of steel, constructed IN such a way
as to render breakdown Il remote contin-
gency, more so as the engines are two distinct
machines, capable of being disconnected and
worked at a reduced speed. She is steercd
amidslnps by steam, and has, in addition 70
the ordinary approved compasses and sound
ing appliances, Sir William TlomUson's DHtcut
compasses and sounding machine The Doric
will be rugged and fitted ont in every way in
Belfast.