The quadruple-screw turbine mail and passenger steamer
Calgarian, was at the time of launching the largest and fastest
vessel so far built for the Canadian trade. She was constructed
for the Allan Line's main service between Liverpool, Quebec, and
Montreal in summer, and Halifax and St. John in winter. The
order for the hull and machinery was placed with the Fairfield
Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Limited, Govan, Glasgow.
The vessel was built to meet the requirements of the British
Corporation Registry of Shipping, B. S.* class, also to Board of
Trade and Canadian emigration rules. The massive appearance of
the Calgarian, with cruiser stern, cruiser funnels, high pole
masts and imposing superstructure, is seen in the picture of the
vessel. She ran a series of speed trials on the Clyde on March
16 1914, when her best run was at a speed of 21.25 knots. The
chief particulars of the ship were: Length on waterline: 590
feet o inch Length between perpendiculars: 570 feet o inch
Breadth molded: 70 feet o inc