["New Steamer for the Nor'-West", The Western Mail (Perth, WA), Saturday 24 July 1909, page 29]
NEW STEAMER FOR THE NOR'-WEST.
THE S.S. MINDEROO.
(See Illustrations Page 29.)
The s.s. Minderoo is the latest addition to the Singapore line trading between Fremantle, Java, and Singapore, via Geraldton, Carnarvon, Onslow. Cossack, Port Hedland, Broome, and Derby, on the West and Nor'-West coast of Western Australia. The vessel is owned by the West Australian Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., the managing agents in London being Messrs. Bethell, Gwyn, and Co., and Trinder, Anderson and Co.. and the Western Australian agents Messrs. Dalgety and Company, Limited. The Minderoo is about 4,000 tons capacity, her principal dimensions being:--Length, 320 feet between perpendiculars; breadth, 44ft.; and depth moulded, 21 feet. She has main, upper, shade, promenade, and boat decks. The main and upper decks are fitted for stock, and a perfect system of ventilation is installed. The saloon and second-class passenger accommodation is situated on the shade deck and comprises first-class saloon, pantry, galley, and offices, a number of state-rooms, lavatories, bathrooms, etc. For second-class passengers there is a spacious saloon with sleeping cabins adjoining, and ladies' aud gentlemen's bathrooms and lavatories, also a large pantry and bar combined. Hie saloon extends the full width of the ship, and is in every way suited to a tropical trade, being well ventilated and fitted with ceiling and portable electric fans.
Seating accommodation is provided in the saloon for 72 passengers. On the promenade deck, there is a large handsomely furnished music-room ventilated by a skylight, large square windows, and electric fans, with a bold staircase leading to the saloon. On the after-part of the promenade deck is a fine smoking-room containing a commodious bar, the fittins and appointments being most modern and comfortable. This deck also
provides a spacious promenade for saloon passengers, unobstructed by ventilators or other projections, and giving ample room for deck games. Altogether, accommodation is provided for 146 saloon passengers and 70 second-class. The ventilation throughout the ship is perfect. Wherever possible large square windows arc substituted for ports, and exceptionally large ports are provided both in the saloon and cabins, the latter running out to the ship's side. Every state-room is provided with an electric fan. Freezing machinery is installed on the Minderoo, which is the first steamer on the Nor'-West coast to be-thus provided. The refrigerated space for perishable cargo can be increased as necessity arises, the machinery being capable of maintaining cool storage for more then double the space at present insulated.
The Minderoo has four large hatchways, with lifting gear of the latest design capable of dealing with all classes of cargo in the most expeditious manner. The main boilers and engines are of an up-to-date type, capable of a sea speed of 13 1/2 knots. On her first voyage from Singapore to Fremantle an average speed of over 12 knots was maintained for the entire voyage, the last 220 miles being covered at the rate of 13 1/2 knots per hour. The Singapore line maintain a regular fortnightly service, the other vessels engaged in the trade being the Paroo, belonging to the same company, together with the Charon and Gorgon, of the Blue Funnel line. Sourabaya is made a port of call, and conseqeuutly these steamers are being largely availed of by tourists desiring to visit Java, the passenger fares being reasonably low.
Tuesday, July 6, was an eventful day on board the Minderoo, when, at the in invitation of the owners, over 300 Perth and Fremantle residents inspected the ship, Captain Mills, the agents (Messrs. Dalgety and Co., Ltd), and Mr. Clarke (the Company's superintendent) looking after the guests. An enjoyable afternoon tea was served in the two saloons, the Chinese boys doing their work in the usual noiseless and attentive manner. By the expressions on their faces they appeared to enter into the enjoyment of the repast almost as much as the visitors. Subsequently, a number of toasts were honoured in the spacious dining saloon, there being present: Mr. F. Wilson (Minister for Works), Mr. J. D. Connolly (Colonial Secretary), Mr. James Price (Honorary Minister), and Mr. James Mitchell (Minister for Lands). The Premier was unavoidably absent, owing to a recent family bereavement. Other guests included Mr. R. W. Pennefather, K.C., M.L.C. ; Captain Laurie, M.L.C.; Mr. M. L. Moss, K.C., M.L.C.; aud Mr. H. Osborne, member for Roebourne. A large number of merchants and those interested in shipping and squatting pursuits were also present.
On page 29
A. NEW STEAMER FOR THE NOR-WEST TRADE--THE W.A. STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY'S MINDEROO.
