8 OCTOBER 1842, Page 7

The Newcastle Chronicle describes the Prince Albert iron steamship, the

first ship of any considerable magnitude built of iron on the Tyne. Its length between perpendiculars is 155 feet ; length over all, 180; main breadth, 19 feet flinches; depth of hold, 9 feet 6 inches. The construction includes a number of recent improvements. There are two iron water-tight balk-heads, forming the vessel into three distinct COMpartments, any one of which will keep the vessel afloat should the other two get damaged' which will render her a kind of life-boat. The boat was launched from the ship-building yard of Mr. J. H. S. Coutts, at Newcastle, on Friday ; being christened by the wife of the builder. After the launch, about a hundred and twenty gentlemen sat down to an entertainment provided by Mr. Coutts ; and dancing crowned the festivities. The Prince Albert appears to be intended to run on the Thames.