ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 37

ARRIVAL OF THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER.

The s.s. Duke of Westminster, from London, arrived at Otago Heads on Saturday forenoon, and was boarded by Pilot M'Donald, who brought her up the harbour and berthed her at the George street pier at 5 p.m. She brings some 4000 tons of general cargo, of which 3000 tons are for this port, and the remainder for the north. Since her last visit here there has been a change in the personnel of her officers. Captain Cox is still in command, Mrßeachone is chief officer, Mr May hew second, and Mr Canese third ; while Mr Trant is still chief steward and purser. The Duke of Westminster left London on October 15, and experienced fine weather across the Bay of Biscay; had moderate N.E. and S.E. trades, followed by variables, until she arrived at Table Bay on November 11 ; took in a supply of coal and left that port on November 13, had fresh westerly winds and variable weather across the Southern Ocean, and arrived here as above. THE DIRECT STEAMERS. The Ruahine left Plymouth on the 9th inst. for Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago. She has 168 passengers for New Zealand ports. The Tongariro arrived at Plymouth on the Bth inst. Her cargo of frozen meat is reported to be in good order. COMMUNICATION WITH CHEVIOT. Wellington, December 6. — The steamer Rowena, which has been laid up here for some time past, has been chartered by a commercial syndicate to run regularly between Cheviot, Lyttelton; and Wellington. The investors comprise Captain Hayes (formerly of the Pelham and Herald ; who will take command), Mr Hunter (late chief engineer of the Wakatu), Mr Clarke (p.ovodore), and Mr Neaves, who will act as mate. They intend working the vessel on the co-opera-tive principle, and are sanguine as to their prospects. The vessel is now undergoing a thorough overhaul.