THE UNION STEAM SHIP COMPANY.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12478, 14 April 1906, Page 8

THE UNION STEAM SHIP COMPANY.

There is no question, we think, that New Zealand has reason to be proud of the Union Steam Ship Company, and seeing how much of the success of that institution is due to Mr James Mills, the managing director, the compliments paid to him at the luncheon at Wellington, reported in another column, will be generally admitted to be well-de-served. Complaints are sometimes made about the "monopoly" of the Union Company, and of tbe passenger fares aa being still too high. It must bo admitted, however, that the company is exceptionally well-managed, that compared with coastal services in other parts of the world, the comfort of passengers is well looked after, while its comparative immunity from serious aocidents, considering the dangers of navigation in these stormy seas, is a striking testimony to the.well-found character of tho ships, and the efficiency of officers and crews. Its progress as a business enterprise is extraordinary. In 1875, as Mr Seddon pointed out, it was merely the Harbour Steam Company of Dunedin, the total tonnage of its five steamore being 3262 tons. Tho mileage run was 170,000 miles. Last year tlio total expenditure of the company was

\ £1,233,557, of which £216,956 went h9 wages, and it now owns 54 isteamera of "f§ an aggregate tonnage of 109,000 tons. Its steamers last year accomplished ' some 2,000,000 miles. Mr Mills, who hoa - been with the company from its inoep. ' "■ tion, has climbed from the lowest rung of the office-ladder to tho position of managing director, and tlie re is no doubt that this oolony owes him a debt of gratitude for his services, seeing that it has benefited veiy largely by his energy and enterprise. The Union Steam Ship Company takes rank among the largo shipping companies of the world in the matter of tonnage, and it is a notable fact that it should havo absorbed c Melbourne company end secured for New Zealand the headquarters of the ship, ping trade between this colony and Aua. v ; trolia. We are glad to see that the % company does not intend to stand still, I \ and hope that before long, as Mr Mills ;£ hinted, the Vancouver steamers will, ,+ again call at New Zealand. The colony, " i we feel sure, will gladly pay a reason-: able subsidy to enable this to be done.