The GOLDEN AGE had accommodation for 1200 passengers of all classes, the steerage being fitted up for 600. There were three saloons, one above the other, two of which were panelled in rose, satin, and zebra woods; with crimson and gold plush and rich hangings, and adorned with mirrors. In the upper saloon the same general arrangement prevailed, except that instead of satinwood panelling, the sides were finished in white and gold. In this saloon were two “family rooms,” one finished in gold, the other in blue. A brief reference to this steamer is made in the “Annals of Liverpool” (Gore’s Directory), in which it is stated: “The GOLDEN AGE(s.) sailed from Liverpool, 5th December, 1853, and arrived at Melbourne in 47 days steaming time.” On the 31st July, 1855, there was launched at Sandycroft, on the River Dee, a large clipper ship fitted with auxiliary steam power. She was built to the order of the Liverpool and Australian Steam Navigation Co., the owners of the celebrated GREAT BRITAIN. Her owners were of opinion that steamers relying entirely upon their engines, could not be worked so economically as vessels with auxiliary steam power, and sailing vessels trusting only to their sails could not be relied upon to make their passages with regularity and despatch, consequently they determined to combine the two motive powers and give their vessel the benefit of both. The ROYAL CHARTER, the name given to the new ship, was designed and built by Mr. Paterson, the builder of the GREAT BRITAIN. She was 235 feet in length over all, 41 feet 6 inches beam, and 26 feet 6 inches depth of hold; 2720 tons burden; could spread 15,000 square feet of canvas; and had a pair of direct acting trunk engines of 200 h.p. nominal, constructed by Messrs. Penn, of Greenwich, for working an auxiliary screw, so arranged that when not wanted it could be completely lifted out of the water, and even (if necessary) placed on deck. She had excellent accommodation for passengers. Her chief saloon was 100 feet long and beautifully fitted up; and the ladies’ cabin, with its large poop windows, and elegant furniture, was admirably adapted for its purpose. There were two large bath rooms for the use of the after saloon passengers, and one three times as large as either of these two for the use of the ’tween deck passengers. She had seven watertight compartments and tanks capable of holding 64,000 gallons of water. The ROYAL CHARTER, independently of her steam power, was a full-rigged ship, and was the first English vessel to adopt the American plan of double topsails on each mast. On her trial trips she averaged a speed of nine knots per hour with her propeller; and under canvas only, with a light N.N.E. wind, made fourteen knots per hour. She was well armed, carrying eight guns—four 18 pounders and four 24 pounders; besides a large swivel gun on the forecastle, and a good number of Minié rifles for the saloon.