THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14532, 21 November 1910, Page 6

THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL.

DEPARTURE OF THE MAITAI. " SUCCESS TO THE NEW SERVICE." The Union Steam Ship Company's R.M.S. Maitai left the Qneen-street Wharf at 12.40 p.m. on Saturday for San Francisco, via Barotongaand Papeete, and is duo to arrive at tho American port on December 9. Tho passengers carried by the steamer numbered 48, this being a slight increase on the number carried by the Aorangi, which inaugurated the new service on October 22. The Auckland cargo carried By the steamer consisted of 50 tons for Rarotonga, 75 tons for Papeete, while for San Francisco the principal lines were 250 boxes of butter, 75 cases kauri gum, 110 packages kauri gum, and a quantity of sundries. The principal consignment from Wellington consisted of 25 tons ci ilftx. The mails carried by the Maitai totalled 377 bags and •hampers, of which 134 bags and four hampers are for America, 182 bags for the United Kingdom, 45 bags for Canada, 16 bags and two hampers for Rarotonga and Papeete. The mail for the United Kingdom is due in London or December 19. An informal gathering of representative citizens, comprising members of the City Council and Harbour Board, Chamber of Commerce, and shipping interests, took place in the saloon of the steamer shortly before lier departure, for the purpose of drinking success to the trip and the new service. The Mayor (Mr. L. J. Bagnall) in proposing "Success to the Maitai and the New Service," paid a tribute to the good reputation already earned by the Union Company in connection with its various undertakings, and also to the efficiency of its officers and crews, and its shore staffs. Thoroughness and success had characterised all these undertakings, and for this much credit was reflected on all concerned, whether on the bridge or the deck, in the engineroom or in the stewards' and stewardesses' departments. (Hear, hear). The public had the utmost confidence in the ability and relia- - bility of tliose in charge of the company's boats, and this was a fact that augured well for the success of the new service. The Maitai, although not so new or fast as some of the eteamers, was well equipped, and he had no doubt that the officers and crew would efficiently discharge their duties. (Hear, hear). The toast having been drunk, Captain Stevens returned thanks on behalf of the officers and crew and expressed a hope that on some future occasion the Maitai would be providing accommodation for many of them as passengers. The visitors then, at the invitation of Mr. A. B. J. Irvine (local manager of the company), and Captain Stevens, took the opportunity of looking over the steamer and noting the excellent manner in which she has been fitted out for her first trip in the new service.