7["The S.S. Koombana", The Northern Times (Carnarvon, WA), Saturday 13 March 1909, page 4]

THE S.S. KOOMBANA.

When a party of shipping men and Press representatives were making an inspection of the Adelaide Co.'s new steamer Koombana yesterday (says the Fremantle Mail) 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 trade and coax people to travel." Any one who looked over the vessel must be convinced that it will prove a powerful factor in developing trade with the Nor'-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 tbe 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 be always travelling now." There is no doubt that when people find out 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 steamer 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.

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 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.

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.