NEW “BRUCE” ARRIVES
A streamer has last been constructed of sufficient
strength to cope with the ice difficulties prevalent during the winter
season in the Gulf. The service from Port aux Basques to North Sydney is
difficult to keep opening during the winter on account of the heavy ice.
The distance across is about 100 miles and the work of getting a
streamer to keep the service open was a task that could not easily be
overcome. After the wreck of the Bruce is behoved the Reid Co. to get
another one built as quickly as possible. The firm therefore placed
orders for the construction of a steamer on which no expense was to be
spared.
The ice difficulties of the Gulf Stream were to well
known and the firm realized that the steamer to go on this service must
be of the strongest that could possibly be built. The last Bruce had
done faithful work but there was certain little weaknesses about her
that could be remedied and working on past experience the Reid Co.
submitted their order to Messrs. Napier and Miller Limited of Old
Kilpatrick, Scotland. The contractors were given to understand that the
steamer would be required for the coming year (1912) and the work
therefore was to be done as quickly as possible.
The builders had plans of a ship that was to be
second to none in the world as far as strength and durability were
concerned and nothing was to be left undone that would in anyway make
her inferior as an ice fighter. The Company’s orders have been
faithfully carried out and the steamer that entered port this morning is
the one that is expected to achieve victories over the ice elements in
the Gulf.
At 8 a.m. the Bruce arrived and as she lay at the
dock pier was the centre of attraction and hundreds viewed her. To the
casual observer she presented the picture of a modern and up-to-date
steamer. The exterior of her construction fully indicated what she was
built for; from stem to stern could be seen the massive steel plates
which incased a veritable palatial residence. Expressions of admiration
[sic] could be heard from everyone, but still more was the admiration
expressed when those who had the pleasure of going through her and saw
the up-to-date style, finish and set of her interior.
Immediately on her arrival a HERALD reporter boarded
her and was kindly shown through the ship. To give an adequate
description of this steamer calls for more space than we can afford to
devote her, for the visitor is almost bewildered by her splendid
appointments.
HER TRIP
Throughout yesterday there was much comment as to the
Bruce, for word of her was expected at any minute. She had left Grennock
at 3 p.m. Monday and six days was considered sufficient for her to reach
the coast. A wireless was anxiously awaited for and at five o’clock the
first message was received which was as follows:
“S.S. Bruce 130 miles off Cape Race.”
On receipt of this Mr. R.G. Reid wired to Capt.
Spracklin to give location. At 6:20 the following answer was received:
“S.S. Bruce 120 miles E.S.E of Cape Spear. Heavy gale
of W.N.W.wind. Slob ice. All well.
“GEO. SPRACKLIN”
Within another hour the captain wired to say that he
expected to dock at 10 this morning, but his expectations were realized
earlier by two hours, as at 8 she drew into the Reid Co.’s premises, and
particulars of her trip were soon known. She left Glasgow at 3 Monday
afternoon and made a record run of 6 days and 17 hours. The old Bruce
covered the same distance in 6 days and 9 hours, but the conditions and
season were different. She having come here in October. The captain and
crew of the new steamer speak in highest terms of her. Almost after
leaving hard weather was encountered but she proved an excellent sea
boat. At times she averaged 15 knots an hour, but owing to the engine
being new she was obliged to slow down occasionally. On nearing the
coast the ice was encountered and for over 100 miles she steamed at a
good speed through it. On Saturday night a heavy gale of wind was met
and being in open seas she was much washed and her appearance this
morning of being ice covered showed evidence of her trail in the storm.
The following passengers CAME BY HER:- Hon. M.P. Cashin, Dr. Paterson
and W.S. Monroe…
The Evening Herald
February 12, 1912 |