350 REPORT—1863. 
the sea service by the proposal of Government. The necessity of laying up 
the vessels more frequently for repairs has been also diminished, which is a 
matter of much importance, as they are of so unique a class, that in the event 
of more than two being laid up at the same time, it would be impossible to 
obtain an efficient substitute, and therefore the postal service might be ex- 
posed to some danger of interruption, if such circumstances were to continue 
for any length of time. The engines in the ‘ Ulster’ and the ‘ Munster’ 
were provided with superheaters, but experience has not shown any advan- 
tage resulting from their use, either as reducing the consumption of coal or 
tending to a superior performance. These vessels have made, up to May 
1863, in the aggregate 1845 passages, in the average time of 3h. 56 min., 
and have consumed 30 tons 7 cwt. on the average of each, inclusive of the 
quantity required for raising steam, which is very considerable. The ¢ Lein- 
ster’ and the ‘ Connaught,’ without superheaters, have made 1983 passages, 
in the average time of 3h. 52min., and have consumed (inclusive of raising 
steam), on the average, 30 tons 1 ewt. of coal. 
No breakdown has taken place with any of the engines. On two occa- 
sions some derangement occurred with the wheels. Very constant attention 
is given, during each “rest” after the usual term of duty, to the machinery 
and the boilers, so as to prevent the necessity of extensive repairs. 
The principal trouble has arisen from the difficulty which appears to be 
experienced in obtaining sufficiently sound forgings for the large intermediate 
air-pump crank-shafts. As a precautionary measure, two duplicate shafts 
fitted with cranks had been included in the original order, one suitable for 
either pair of engines from each firm, so that no time might be lost in repla- 
cing one, if at any time it was found to be defective, or appeared to be doubt- 
ful. This was no needless precaution, as within the first year it was found 
necessary to condemn two shafts and to use the duplicates, and the vessels 
were ready within the week for service instead of being laid up for months. 
Two new spare shafts were immediately again ordered, and these have since 
been required; and another of steel, made by Mr. Krupp (of Essen), is also 
now inuse. Thus, within the space of two years and a half, five of these costly 
pieces of work were condemned. It is but justice to the makers of the engines 
to state that they have met the case in the most satisfactory manner. No fail- 
ure has hitherto occurred with any of the shafts supplied by the Mersey Steel 
and Iron Company, and they have done their full share of duty. Very great 
exertion was made by that establishment on one occasion to prepare a forging 
within the short space of three weeks, to replace one under peculiar circum- 
stances, which rendered the utmost expedition important. 
With regard to the ships, it is very satisfactory to be able to state that no 
repairs have so far been needed. They are now in as perfect condition, after 
the performance of their severe duty, as when they commenced in 1860. 
The frequency of docking, for the purpose of cleaning and coating, has 
afforded constant opportunity of examination, but painting only has been 
found necessary. 
To maintain speed, it is obviously indispensable to keep the bottoms of 
the vessels clean ; but as no docking accommodation has as yet been provided 
at Holyhead, and it being objectionable to remove the vessels from the station 
to the graving-docks of other ports, if possible to avoid doing so, the experi- 
ment of employing divers, while the vessels lay alongside the jetty, was tried 
last summer, and with some success. The growth of marine vegetation and 
the adhesion of marine animals, which take place rapidly in the summer 
months, were prevented to a considerable extent, 
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