LAUNCH OF THE " VIMIERA." This noble and beautiful ship, intended to trade between London and Sydney, was launched on Monday, the 16th inst., from the building yard of Mr. James Laing, the eminent ship-builder, of Sunderland, and is the largest vessel ever built on the Wear. The river at the spot where it took place is scarcely a furlong wide, and the practicability of launching a vessel of the Vimiera's tonnage with safety in such a very limited space was doubted by many; but, with every disadvantage ansing in this narrow and crowded stream, the arrangements were so good that the launch proved to be a most interesting scene. There was a great concourse of people to witness the sight, both in the immediate neighbourhood and on the opposite clile, whose picturesque summits were studded with well-dressed groups. The day was fine, but very windy. The ceremony of christening the ship was most ably performed by ors. Ferguson, a relative of Mr. Laing ; and amid loud cheering the ship slowly and majestically entered the water: she was soon after taken in tow, and conveyed to the mouth dock, where she is now being rigged, previously to her proceeding to London. As we have previously stated, the Vimiera is the largest vessel which has ever been built in this port: her dimensions are as follow:-Extreme length, 197 feet; extreme bear, to feet; depth of hold, 23 feet ; length of keel on the blocks, 160 feet; and tonnage, new measurement, 1037 tons. Her build and proportions have been much admired by competent Judge; and we may mention, that the beautiful model sent to the Crystal Palace by Mr. James Laing is one of this vessel. She is wholly constructed of teak and English oak, strapped with iron throughout, and there are five orlop beams in the lower hold. The figure-head is a graceful representation of Fame blowing a trumpet', carved by Mr. Brooks of Maryport ... (and more next page)... Stern decoration by Mr Bridges of Sunderland. Ironwork furnished by Mesers. Wright & Son, from Seaham works. Owner Duncan Dunbar, the eminent Protectionist shipowner, ...