2-913-761 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new Screw Steamer "Barwon", 1854. Ship '...constructed under the direction of Mr. Bourne, for the steam coasting trade of Australia...the engine works up to 600 horse power...The speed of the vessel, under steam alone, is 14 miles an hour; and she has accommodation for about 130 passengers, and 400 tons of goods. The hull...is so built as to combine the maximum of lightness with the maximum of strength...the vessel, though very strong, draws only eight feet of water with a considerable cargo on board - and, for entering the shallow harbours of Australia, this is an indispensable quality. [She] has been tried since her arrival in the Thames, and she beat the steamers Baron Osy, Lion, and same others, reputed to be among the fastest sea-going steamers afloat. It is pretty well ascertained, therefore, that in point of speed the Barwon exceeds any sea going steamer in ths Thames'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.