New C.P.R. Steamer Launched Tuesday
The new steamer which has been built by the Canadian Pacific Railway company for their Okanagan Lake service was launched Tuesday Afternoon at the Landing. Owing to the soft nature of the ground at the slipway the guide became somewhat displaced, with the result that the vessel stuck in the ways. This caused considerable disappointment to those who had traveled up the lake and who had anticipated an enjoyable trial run. The Record, however, was informed by Captain Gore on Wednesday morning that the steamer had now been freed, and the finishing touches to the boat were being proceeded with.
The christening ceremony was gracefully performed by Mrs. J. I. E. Corbett, daughter of Captain Gore, the company's superintendent of lake steamer services. Among those present were the Hon. Price Ellison, minister of finance and agriculture, Mr. W. F. Peters, general 1 superintendent, Mr. J. M. McKay, district superintendent, and a large number of Kelowna residents.
The new vessel, which was named the Sicamous, is 200 feet long, 39 feet beam, and has a draft of 8 feet. She has bean fitted with compound engines which will develop a speed of 17 to 18 miles an hour. The new craft will take the place of the Okanagan, which has for so long done such yeoman service, and will be commanded by that popular skipper, Captain Estabrook. The hull of the steamer is steel, and accommodation has been provided for 450 passengers. There are 43 splendidly fitted staterooms.
In the course of a brief interview, Captain Gore stated that the Okanagan would continue to act as an auxiliary. It was expected, he said, that the new steamer would be put into commission about the commencement of July.
From the Kelowna Record