THE NEW S.S. RIMUTAKA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1514, 7 March 1901, Page 33

THE NEW S.S. RIMUTAKA.

On the sth instant, on the invit; tion of the New Zealand Shipping Con pany, about fifty gentlemen occupyii representative positions assembled 1 c board the new twin-screw steann Rimutaka-, at lief berthage at tl Queen’s Wharf. The fine proportion and huge dimensions of the new stead er, as well as her gorgeous fittings at appointments, AA r ere inspected and an mired by the visitors, avuo included tl Right Hon R. J. Seddon,' Premie the Hons W. O. Walker, W. Hall-Jon and James Carroll, Mr J. G>. W. Aitke (Mayor of Wellington), Mr Niohol Reid (president of the Chamber of Coi merce), Mr W. Ferguson (secretary;; the Harbour Board), and lea ing merchants, bankers, etc. luncheon, which was 'a sple did testimonial to the cuisine of t Rimutaka, Avas served in the salcoi and after full justice had been done it, Mr Murray-Aynsley, chairman of t] Noav Zealand Shipping Company, pi posed the customary loyal toasts, Avhi were duly honoured. The toast of *'* Success to the N< Zealand Shipping Company” Avas lie proposed by the Premier, who referr to the remarkable growth of the coi pany’s business and fleet, coincide with the colony’s development. 3 contrasted the magnificent proporfcio of the Rimutaka with those of the sa ing ships with which the company co: menced; and said: that, in view of t cost of constructing such a large stea: er, the rates of freight charged we such as left no' room for complaii The company had shown its patrioti: by coming to the assistance of the G< ernment when a. difficulty. arose abo the conveyance, of military contingei to South Africa. From the manner. Avhidh it consulted the requirements . the colony, he thought the comp a could Avith confidence anticipate < taining a continuance of support. T toast,which Avas drunk Avifch enthusias was responded to l by Mr J. R. Blair, behalf of the directors of the compax Mr Blair said the prosperity of t company Avas dependent upon that 7 N eAV Zealand, and it was to the advJ tage of everyone that the comipa Should, do well for its shareholders. I line just inaugurated in connection av: trade to South Africa would have fair trial, and Avhen he mentioned; tl the freights fixed Avere satisfactory the Premier he thought there was assurance that they Avere reasonable The Mayor, in proposing the hea of Captain Greenstreet, refei'red to tl gentleman’s long service and high putation, ancll said that the esteem which he AA-as held by his employers a« shown by their choosing him for fl command of such a splendid steamer I the Rimutaka. In responding, Ca.pt* Greenstreet said he had been in tl New Zealand trade for twenty-fl years, and had commanded the bar cl Mataura, Avhich carried the first cal of frozen mutton from this country |1 London. He was proud! to comma! such a vessel as the Rimutaka, aud <1 specially praised ’•her safety, as ll twin-screws were a great safegusl against accident of almost any kill They had, in fact, been the means I averting a. collision in the EngM Channel when she was on her way ! the owners fr*om the hands of the buiß ers. The proceedings then terminate the general opinion being * expres* that the successful and enjoyable fui9 tion fittingly marked an epoch in tl development of the. New Zealand Shß ring Company’s business. r ; J ;