NEW OCEAN STEAMERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 94, 21 April 1903, Page 4

NEW OCEAN STEAMERS.

LARGE VESSELS ORDERED FOR NEW ZEALAND TRADE.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON,' this day.

The New Zealand Shipping Company has kept a close secret of.the fact that it is adding two new steamers to. its fleet. I have the best authority for stating that an order has been placed with Messrs G. Brown and Co.. of Clydebank, Scotland, for the construction of two twin-screw vessels of 10,000 'tons gross, and capable of steaming at about 13 knots when fully loaded. They are to be built on similar lines to the Turakina, which has more than exceeded the anticipations of her owners and builders. Each vessel will be fitted up on the most up-to-date principle, and special facilities are to be arranged for the carriage of perishable produce, while accommodation of a superior description will be provided for 25 saloon passengoj-s. The new vessels are to be ready for delivery about the end of the year.

Not to be outdone by their rivals, the Shaw, Savill and Albion and White Star Companies are, I understand,, increasing the number of their fleet trading to New Zealand waters, by two new steamers, which will possess all the qualifications demanded by first-class cargo vessels capable of accommodating a limited number of passengers. With this information before your readers they will sec that trads with tlie Old Country is rapidly increasing, and -rat the colony's growing resources can be adequately gauged by the building of larger vessels year by year in order to cope with persistent demands for greater cargo space.