FRENCH LINE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 174, 25 July 1922, Page 3

FRENCH LINE.

NEW 7,000-TON STEAMERS. FOR AUSTRALIAN" TRADE. An improved shipping service in connection with the Messageries Maritimes , (French mail service) was recently announced by cable. According to a cable received by the , general manager from the head office of the company in Paris, the directors have decided to run on the Australian line, in addition to the Cephee, three new steamers. They are the Ville de Metz, Ville de Verdun, and the Ville de Stras- , bourg. These steamers were constructed in 1920-21 by the North of Ireland Shipbuilding Co., of Londonderry, and in , build and equipment are up to date in every respect. Their tonnage is 7000 , gross and 4400 net. and they each have a deadweight capacity of 9000 tons, and , cubic capacity of 10,500 tons of 40ft. They all have limited accommodation for saloon and third class and are equal to a speed of 12 knots. The route to Australia will be as hitherto, via the Suez Canal, Colombo, and Fremantle. Arrangements have been made for the steamers to call for cargo at Bordeaux twelve days before leaving "Marseilles, and they will also touch in turn at Havre. Thin'cirk, and Antwerp. 'This," said the manager, "will provide a new direct service from all French I } ports for goods for Australia."