["Nor'-West Trade", The Evening Mail (Fremantle, WA), Saturday 13 February 1909, page 3]
Nor'-West Trade
The Koombana Inspected
"Ahead of the Times"
An Optimistic Company
When a party of shipping men and Press representatives were making an inspection of the Adelaide Co.'s new steamer Koombana yesterday. Mr. W. E. Moxon, the attorney for that company in this State, made a trite remark. He said: "This ship is ahead of the times, but with it we will build up the trade and coax people to travel." Anyone who has looked over the vessel mus be convinced that that it will prove a powerful factor in developing trade with the North-West. "The Koombana has a big cargo capacity, but her passenger accommodation is simply superb when looked at from the point of comfort in voyaging in a hot climate. All the passengers are accommodated above the main deck and smoke-rooms and dining-halls for both classes are so placed. Everywhere, coolness and ventilation have been studied, while in the matter of comfort, artistic finishing, and conveniences, the Koombana is the most modernly equipped vessel that has yet come into Port. When she makes her first trip to the North-West, she will "astonish the natives," and many residents there will agree with Mr Durack, who remarked yesterday:--"This ship means a lot to us; we will always be travelling now." There is no doubt that when people find they can travel cool and comfortably, the Koombana will begin to fulfil her object, and develop the trade of the North-West, but that trade must increase before the new vessel can be made to pay.
In a brief description of the Koombana, it may be explained that she is built on beautiful lines, and presented a very imposing picture when entering and leaving the harbor. As in the passenger accommodation, she has many modern improvements to assist in her navigation, whilst her smoke-rooms and social halls are superior to most of those on the mail steamers. She is a steel screw steamer of 3,760 tons register, and was constructed by Messrs. A. Stephen and Sons, Ltd., Glasgow. She is equipped for the carriage of passengers, cargo, and stock, her dimensions being 340ft. between perpendiculars, 28ft. 2in. beam, and 20ft. 8in. in. depth. On a draught of 19ft she can carry 4,000 tons of cargo. Her decks are so many that a lift is almost required for transit purposes. Above the lower hold is the orlop deck, on top of which is the main deck. Higher up is the spar deck, on which the bulk of the passengers' cabins are situated. Over this again is a fine promenade deck, and going still higher tbe bridge and boat deck is reached. On top of all is the navigating bridge.
She carried 874 tons of salt water ballast and 850 tons of fresh water. For her water-tube boilers, the sea water is condensed so that her pipes will not become encrusted. In the case of fire she is fitted with the Clayton fumigator and fire extinguisher and to clean her fire pits a patent ash ejector has been installed. She has refrigeration engines to deal with deal with 800 tons of cubic space, and [?40] feet for the ship's stores, besides which there is an ice plant to provide for the comfort of the passengers. There are also hydraulic cranes of 3 ton capacity, excepting over the fore hatch where the steam winch is used.
The lower hold and orlop deck are used for cargo only, and the cattle are stalled fore and aft on the main deck in moveable stalls, with temporary closings on the sides of the vessel. The kitchen is also on this deck, and in it are all sorts of modern contrivances to delight the heart of the chef, as well as provide delicacies for the passengers. Great interest was taken in the steam egg-boiler, with electric adjustment, which may be set for soft, medium, or hard, and swings the egg off as soon as the register is reached. There is also an electric lift from the galley to the dining saloon pantry; a steam press with revolving hot-plate rack, five stoves, bake oven, and grill; steam stockpots, chip potato cutter, potato cooking presses, and many other appliances. The bakehouse, with electric dough mixer capable of turning out over 300 loaves in eight hours, and the printing room are also on this deck.
Above the main deck is the spar deck, where most of the passenger's cabins are situated. These are mostly two-berth, but there are a few three-berth cabins. They are all splendidly ventilated with louvre as well as main doors; adjustable electric fans, buttoned on curtains, large windows with glass and louvres, life belts, reversible couches, and the fittings are everything that could be devised for the comfort of the passengers. The dining saloons for both classes are on this deck, and both are done in green and oak. Ventilation has been particularly studied, and the pantry so arranged that orders can be served from both sides as soon as they arrive from the galley by the electric lift. The first saloon has seating accommodation for 75, and electric fans are provided here as throughout the ship. In connection with the ventilation it should be noted tbat the main corridors run fore and aft, and that between each set of cabins an alley-way runs out on to the deck, so that whatever way the wind may be there is sure to be abundance of air in circulation, quite apart from the service of the fans.
The lavatories for both classes and the both rooms are on this deck, and these are as replete as could be designed. Besides each main bath room is a small shower bath with separate entrance, and all the stands are of marble, and the basins German silver. In dealing with this deck a general reference may be made to the woodwork. The designers adopted teak for all the outer wood work, and mahogany for the inside panelling. The main companionway is a beautiful piece of work, with carved pilasters bearing the firm's coat of arms. The appointment of the dining room are also worthy of note, and the wealth of table silver is a revelation. The silver chest and cupboard have patent doors which open and are then pushed back in a slide so that they do not swing in the way of passengers or attendants.
The main companionway leads up to the hurricane or promenade deck, which is one of the most interesting features of the Koombana, the promenade deck having a length of 300 feet. At the head of the companion-way is the social hall and music room. There is an air of repose about this room that at once strikes the visitor, and forces that person to make visual inquiry as to the cause. The first thought is that one has arrived in the salon of some grand dame, but a glance at the book case with its mullioned frames and bevelled glass rather modifies the idea. The couches, occasional chairs and tables are in polished walnut. The furnishing was done by Warning and Co., art furnishers, of Glasgow, and little more needs to be said. The scheme of colour is and green, the former being used in the upholstering, and latter for the carpets. The wood work is satin wood and panelled in sycamore stained art green. There are two Chippendale writing desks, and a Broadwood piano, the music stool being also the music cabinet. The light well and fanlight are artistically designed. Here, as in other rooms, the fanlights are controlled by a wheel and raised or lowered from inside. The ceiling is done in painted canvas with raised design picked out in gold. The cabins on this deck are much like those below but even more comfortable, and will be greatly appreciated by passengers. Officers and official are also provided with accommodation on this deck. The smoke room is a picture of comfort, and excels that on most of the mail steamers. It is done in teak and red morocco, and is both commodious and comfortable. Two writing desks are provided, also a refreshment bar, whilst opening off the room are bathroom and lavatories.
The boat and navigating decks need hardly be described, but the navigating appliances, both fore and aft, call for some special mention. These appliances are of the very latest and most improved design. On the bridge are a variety of instruments and machines, undreamt of in the early days of steam navigation. There is Alfred Graham's patent telephone switch, by means of which the officer on watch can converse with the captain in his cabin, the engineer on duty in the engine room, or the officer on the poop. An indicator is provided by which automatically and silently directions can be given to the officer right aft when the vessel is being moored or leaving the wharf; a further indicator shows the exact position of the rudder, while the steering gear is controlled by a telemotor, the latest device for the safe navigation of a vessel. Electric side-lights, with auxiliary oil lamps, are provided, and should any of the navigating lights at the port or starboard side or at the mast-head become by any means extinguished, an indicator in the wheelhouse gives immediate warning to the officer on the bridge. The telemotor is one of the most modern appliances installed and is of great value when navigating dangerous waters. A patent chart table with glass lid is also provided on the bridge for the navigating officer, and by this he will always have the chart under his eye. The compasses and other patents adopted are, with the exception of that already mentioned, those of Lord Kelvin and James White. On top of all is the pilot bridge, with compass. The steering gear aft also presents some interesting features, all of which are designed for the safe navigation of the vessel, and all sorts of emergencies in the way of breakdowns have been provided against.
In connection with the arrangements for the comfort and convenience of passengers a great deal of credit is due to Mr. G. T. Maxfield, the general stores manager for the company, who returned to Adelaide by the steamer recently. Captain Rees, who brought the ship out, is in charge, and has with him the following officers:--Chief, H. J. Clark; second, J. Birch; third, S. J. Nelson; purser, D. B. Reid; surgeon, Dr R. McMair; chief engineer, J. R. McDonald; second, W. J. Shimmins; chief steward, A. E. Smith.
