CEASING OPERATIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19730, 1 September 1927, Page 7

CEASING OPERATIONS.

CLEVEDON SHIPPING CO. SYNDICATE BUYS STEAMER. After over 30 years of active existence the Clevedon Steam Navigation Company will cease operations to-day The company's steamer Hirere was sold last week to a private syndicate, which has also acquired the goodwill of the business and will carry on the service. The Cievedon Steam Navigation Company was formed by settlers of Clevedon, Mr. J. S. Wilson being elected the first chairman. The original capital was £2500. and at that figure u remained. In 1896 the Hirere was built in Auckland, and with her a freight and passenger Servicewhich assisted very materially in the pro gress of the district, was commenced. The inauguration of the service was felt to be-a red-letter day in the history of the settlement and when the Hirere made her maiden voyage to Clevedon bonfires were lighted on the hills about the inlet and th.i township was beflagged. The company er, joyed prosperity for many years and in 1912 the steamer Minerva was built for the Howick-Whitford trade. However, this trade gradually decreased with the increasing popularity of motor transport, and in 1922 the Minerva was sold to Mr. C. C. West, of Helensville, the company carrying on with the Hirere. Following the opening of the concrete road to Papakura the domand for sea transport continued to decrease, and at an extraordinary meeting of the company held after the annual meeting it was decided to cease operations. Two of the original directors, the Hon. E. W. Alison and Mr. J. B. Burgoyne, have held office since the inception of the company, Mr. Alison having been chairman for many years.