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Message: [QUOTE="Mark Baber, post: 276422, member: 79063"] [i]The Argus, Melbourne, 13 February 1901 Retrieved from the National Library of Australia web site, [url="http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper"]http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper[/url][/i] [b]THE S.S. RUNIC[/b] --- The steamship Runic, which is now at Adelaide on her maiden voyage, is the forty-third vessel built by Harland and Wolff, of Belfast, for the Liverpool White Star line, and the fourth of the line engaged in the Australian service, those previously launched being the Afric, the Medic, and the Persic. All the vessels are of the same type, being of immense dimensions---the Runic's gross tonnage is 12,482 tons---and having cargo capacity on a corresponding scale. They are also furnished with twin screws and double sets of engines, these points being now generally recognised as elements of safety at sea, especially on long voyages. In regard to their passenger accommodation, they make an altogether new departure. One class of passengers only is carried. Distinctions of saloon, second cabin, and steerage are thus abolished, while for the fares charged the accommodation is altogether unique. It comprises dining, reading, and smoking rooms, and ample bath and lavatory arrangements. To the Australian the opportunity thus afforded, of travelling to and from the old country at a moderate fare has specially appealed and the new departure has proved successful beyond expectation. On the Runic certain further improvements have been made, which should be much appreciated. For instance the diningroom, which will seat over 400 passengers, has been placed on the upper deck, where there is thorough ventilation, and, by proximity to the pantry and galley, rapid service of meals is ensured. To carry out this arrangement the poop has been connected with the bridge-house and forms a spacious promenade 300ft. long. The Runic may be expected to reach Port Melbourne within the next few days. -30- [/QUOTE]

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