SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 4, 5 January 1901, Page 2

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

ADDITIONAL NEWS. THE -NEW STEAM SERVICE. ' TO LONDON IN 24 DAYS. [By Telegraph—Press Association.] Auckland, last night. The departure of the mail steamer Sierra for Auckland and Sydney marks the beginning of a now era of a quick and convenient mail and passenger service between two lands which have so many interests and characteristics in common that it has always seemed a pity tbas it was a matter of so much time for them to enact the friendly office of “ joining hands across the [seas.” The fact that the Sierra made a record-breaking trip in her traversing of the magnificent distance which stretches between San Francisco and Philadelphia, goes to show what may now be. expected in the way of diminishing the terrors of the long voyage to and from Australia. Captain Hoodlete, who came from Philadelphia in the vessel, says she is the best ship he ever set foot in. The chief engineer Neiman adds that he never saw a prettier set of engines than those whioh will enable the new vessel to show her heels to anything that sails the Pacific. The Sonoma, now en. route from Philadelphia, and the Ventura will leave at intervals of three weeks after the sailing of the Sierra. All these ships were built to the order of the Oceanic Steamship Company for this trade, and all have double bottoms of the cellular system and refrigerating and olectrio plant. They are expected after a time to make the run between ’Frisco and Auckland in something less than seventeen days, which will put the London mail in Auckland in twenty-four days.