30 AUGUST 1902, Page 3

A revolution in cross-Channel passenger traffic is in im- mediate

prospect. The South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Company have ordered for delivery next season a 25-knot turbine steamer of 300 ft. by 40ft., which it is calculated will cover the passage in 45 minutes at the outside. Owing to the greater simplicity and compactness of the turbine machinery, it will be possible to devote a great deal more space to the accommodation of passengers. The results of this experiment, which bids fair to rob the terrors of the passage of one-third of their duration, will be watched with the greatest interest, as its success can hardly fail to lead to the extension of the turbine system to Atlantic traffic.