THE MOKOIA.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 11097, 14 December 1898, Page 3

THE MOKOIA.

CONGRATULATORY LUNCHEON. THE UNION COMPANY'S ENTERPRISE PRAISED. Ecceivod December 13, 6.53 p.m. Sydney, Tuesday. The initiation of the Mokoia in the intercolonial trade was the occasion for a luncheon, attended by the leading figures in trade, commerce, and politics, the Sydney Premier, several of the Ministry, Mr Lyne, Sir George Dibbs, and Mr See. Mr Reid, replying on behalf of the Ministry, said the Mokoia represented the best which could be obtained in the modern sense. In a vessel of her size she was absolutely the best ship afloat to-day in point of convenience and improvements. The Premier hoped to do everything possible to cultivate trade relations with New Zealand, which was a great enterprising colony. In the event of Federation, while recognising New Zealand's circumstances prevented her joining, he expressed the hope that Federated Australia would be found cultivating in a friendly spirit close relations with New Zealand. From personal knowledge he glowingly referred to the untiring ener. gies of Mr Jackson, the local manager, ii promoting the welfare of tho company in Ne-v South "Wales during the past 20 yeara. The Hon. J. Soe, who was Postmaster - General when the first San Francisco contract was inado with the company, hoped to see a fortnightly service with America inaugurated by the Union Company. While not disparaging the Suez route, it would be well in the event of war to have a good service with Great Britain through America, which -would tend to unite closer the bonds between America and the British race. Sir George Dibbs, while thinking it not creditable to New South Wales, which had allowed the intercolonial trade to slip from her, thought all honor was due to the enterprise of New Zealand and the Union Company, which had done great service to this colony. Other speeches of a congratulatory I character were made, and references to Mr Mills' energy on behalf of the company.