THE UNION CO.'S TAKAPUNA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6824, 1 October 1883, Page 6

THE UNION CO.'S TAKAPUNA.

A FEvr days since we published a description of this latest addition to the fine fleet of the Union Co. At the trial trip several speeches were made, and we quote a portion of ahem, as they will give a further insight into the class of vessel which is now ou her way to New Zealand to take up the express passenger traffic between the Maaukau aud Southern ports. Mr. John, manager of the Barrow Shipbuilding Company, occupWd the chair, and when the covers had been removed he proposed " Success to the good ship Takapuna and her owners—the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand." In doing so he might only say that they were on board the smartest, elaborately fitted up oceau passenger steamship in the world almost. What he meant was this, that in this steamer they had in miniature every comfort, every convenience, every luxury that they could get in the largest and best-appointed ships on the Atlantic—the City of Home or any of the big steamers afloat. The Union Steamship Company knew their constituents, and knew that they would have, everything of the very beet, and consequently the company had insisted on having the very best appointed vessels that could be built, regordless of expense ; and they had got it. In the particular case under notice, they had laid down conditions at starting with a degree of distinctness which certiiuly left n9 room for doubt on the part of the builders as to what they had got to fulfil, and that smoothed matters very considerably, and he. could say that this firm entered into the' contract for this ship with the knowledge that they were entering iuto probably the most strictly - worded conditions, that-had ever been embodied. He could say further, that in entering Tnto it they, felt that they could fulfil the conditions, hard as they were. When they came to consider a little vessel of this kind, of 220 feet long, and carrying upon 11 feet draft of water, all the top weight and all the accommodation provided in her, and steaming at 15 knots an hour, he was sure they would all agree with him that it was one of tho things that had not often, it over, been done up to ;the present day; because he had to tell they had been travelling at the rate of fifteen knots per hour. (Applause.) He need not say more than this, that they were on board a ship that he was very proud of having built. He never felt prouder of a vessel in his life than he felt at the present moment of this vessel, not only on account of what she had accomplished, but on account of her general arrangements, which, he should say, were due not to his company, but to the Union Steamship Company's officers, and espoaially to Mr. Darling, who, ho was sorry to say, was not present. Mr. Darling had in this vessel utilised every inch of room in a way that- was simply marvellous. It had been a marvel to the builders in constructing her to see how every atom of space was utilised, and the vessel made perfect— upon a quarter scale, he was going to say. He coupled with the toast the health of their distinguished friend, the Hon, George McLean, Chairman of, the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, unci an influential citizen of New Zealand." (Applause). The Hon. George McLean, replying, said he endeavoured to do what he could to forward the interests of the Union Company, of which he believed the people of New Zealand and Australia were proud. It had been said very often that this company erred in extravagance, but it was.necessary to show a good ship and good speed ; and he was sure the ahipa they had trading at Australia and New Zealand were not beat by any he could see sailing out of New Zealand. The company's vessels had indeed been the means of making many people travel who had never travelled before. It was by providing people with luxuries that they were p induced to travel to see the wonders of the world. If they went to New Zealand they would see some things that were not to be seen in other parts of the world. They had hot springs which would yet be far more famed than those of Germany. To enable people to travel round the world was the business of the steamship companies— to make profit, and give them pleasure at the same time. He concluded by proposing "Success to the Barrow Shipbuilding Company, coupled with the Health of their Friend, Mr. John." (Applause.) Mr. John acknowledged the compliment in a few words, and this closed the toast list. A nugget of gold weighing 22 ounces has been found near Talbot, Victoria, at the same spot where several nice pieces of gold have lately been found. W. S. Collins desires to inform his numerous customers that he has removed hla business from Pamell to the junction of Queen and Giey Streets, -where their requirements will be attended to as nsoal. We notice that Mr. G. Miller, late of Graf ton-road, has bonght out Mr. Collins, of Manu-kan-ro&d, Parnell, and is prepared to cany on bnainess as formerly, and at prices that will compare favourably with those of town. Welis' '> Rough on Cobns."—Ask for Wells'"Bongh on Corns." Quick relief, complete, permanent core. Corns, warts, bunions,—Hoses, Mow and Co-, Sydney, General Agents,