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22 New Liner Alcantara The Royal Mail Steam Packet Co is the oldest of shipping companies, and it has shown commendable _ enterprise. The fleet has been built up by the addi- tion of a large number of specially de- signed and equipped ocean liners of great size and power, which embody the highest expression of the Shipbuilders' art and the latest developments in marine engineering. The Alcantara, the largest and latest addition to the fleet, will thoroughly maintain the - traditions of the company; nothing has been spared to make her the finest vessel in THE MARINE REVIEW. the reputation for quiet taste which the previous "A" steamers have built up for this company. The first class public rooms and staterooms are situated in the best positions on board, and besides being handsomely furnished and decor- ated, are large, airy apartments, which will be found extremely comfortable ; there are suites-de-luxe, consisting of bedroom, sitting room, and bathroom; inter-communicating state cabins, with a bathrodm attached; and a large number of single and double berth rooms, which are fitted with bedsteads instead of berths. Most of the inside cabins are arranged on the tandem principle, which LAUNCHING STEAM LIGHTER FOR DOMINION GOVERNMENT AT POLSON IRON WORKS the Brazil and River Plate trade, and she is a concrete example of that policy which the Chairman, Sir Owen Philipps, has so aptly described as "both progressive and conservative." Dimensions The Alcantara, which left Belfast for Southampton May 29, was constructed by Harland & Wolff, Ltd., is nearly 600 ft. long by 67 ft. beam, with a gross tonnage of about 15,800. She is a very strongly built ship, with watertight bulkheads, and a double bottom extend- ing the whole length of the vessel. The new ship has been provided with ex- tensive refrigerating installation to meet the demands. of the frozen and chilled meat trade. Every development in mod- ern ship construction and equipment that could possibly be suitable to her has been introduced into her, and she represents the most advanced stage in Marine science and _ art. Passenger Acommodation The vessel is constructed to carry a large mumber of first, second and third class passengers, who will find their respective apartments and _§fur- nishings all that could be desired. Naturally the most interesting feature from the popular point of view on any large liner is the passenger accommo- dation, and this, in the case of the Alcantara, is of the most sumptuous and elaborate character, and well maintains provides natural light and ventilation, and all of them are very prettily decor- ated and fitted with electric fans. The first-class dining saloon is situ- ated on the middle deck--a_ beautiful apartment panelled and framed in white and gold, "Adams" style, and will seat nearly 400 people at small round and also rectangular tables arranged on the high class restaurant plan. The side- board at the forward end is very hand- some, and the crescent-shaped cold buffet at the foot of the stairs is both convenient and pleasing. A children's saloon adjoins the din- ing saloon, separated from it only by a glass screen (with sliding panels). There is also a children's playroom on the boat deck, which, with its picture frieze, toy bench, rocking horses, swings and chairs, will prove a veritable palace of delight for the youngsters without inconvenience to their elders. The card-smoking rooms (upper and lower) are on the boat deck and upper © promenade deck, and are decorated in an extremely attractive style somewhat reminiscent of the Jacobean period. There is a bar adjoining, and verandahs with walls and ceilings of trellis work at the after end furnished with small tables and chairs. Among the many other features de- serving of note may be mentioned the first class social hall, situated on the : July, 1914 upper promenade | deck, panelled and framed in oak and charmingly uphol- stered in tapestry; the daintily-furnished ladies' boudoir; the passenger lift sery- ing five decks; the gymnasium; -barber's shop; dark room for photography; cloak room; inquiry office and __-- servants' room, Special attention has been given to the ventilation, and electric fans are provided throughout the first and sec. ond class accommodation. The first class promenades are extremely spacious and have a length and area that js not found on other liners of her size. The second class accommodation js also a distinct feature in this vessel. The dining saloon, the smoking room, and the social hall, are large apartments, decorated in a pleasant, cheerful style and handsomely furnished and_ upholstered. The large windows add to the attrac- tiveness of the rooms, and a very large promenade area is provided. This is also of a very superior char- dining room, lavatory or deck space, acter. Third class passengers will find that their comfort, whether in cabin, has been very well provided for. The appliances. for working the ship and cargo are of the latest and most aproved type, including the provision of many hydraulic cranes; the ship has an emergency lighting set driven by a Diesel oil engine placed in the poop well above the water line, and the boat accommodation is sufficient for all on board. Wireless telegraphy, of course, is installed on the Alcantara; and in addition there is submarine signalling, Morse lamp and semaphore signalling, and in fact every modern improve- ment that could possibly promote the safety and well-being of those on board. During construction the vessel has been under the superintendence of Capt. G. M. Hicks, marine superintendent, and Mr. James E. Wimshurst, super- intendent engineer. Another ship merger has been ef- fected whereby the Gulf & Lake Nav- igation Co. has taken over the busi- ness and vessels of the Farrar Trans- portation Co., of Collingwood. Un- der the terms of the offer made the Farrar company is to receive $125,000 in cash, $250,000 in 7 per cent cumu- lative preferred stock and a bonus in common stock of $125,000.. Capt 7 W. Norcross, managing director of the Canada Steamship Lines, 'put through the deal. At a meeting of the directors of the American Ship Building Co., held on May 26, Edward Smith, of Buffalo, was elected vice president, succeed- ing the late R. C. Wetmore. O. G. Fish was elected secretary and treas- urer. eS RE iets Nia. ae oid At ie soa ae pat oN! RS ia Se ee Cal Beatie id ae tL)