SHIPPING NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2652, 11 January 1905, Page 61

SHIPPING NEWS.

THE DIRECT STEAMERS.

The Corinthic, which left Wellington on December 9 for London, left Rio de Janiero on Monday evening. The Rimutaka left Plymouth for Wellington on Saturday. The Tongariro, which left Wellington on November 25, arrived at Plymouth on Wednesday. WELLINGTON, January s.— Sailed: 4.50 p.m., Gothic, for London. WELLINGTON, January 6.— Sailed: 5 p.m., Waimate, for London. LONDON, January 6. The Tongariro and Banffshire have arrived from New Zealand.^

A RECORD TRIP BT THE LOONGANA

All previous records between Port Phillip Heads and the entrance, to the Tamar River. Launceston, wer^ easily eclipsed on the 22nd ult. by the Turbine steamer Loongana. The distance, from heads to heads is 196 miles, and, allowing for th© loss of a quarter of an hour during a dense fog, the Loongana accomplished the run across in 9hr 28min, representing an average hourly speed of a little over 20 knots. The vessel thus improved on her best previous effort by 32min. Until the advent of the Loongana the Rotomahana and the Coogee held about equal steaming records of 12£ hours approximately, but on her first trip last October the Loongana reduced this by- two and ahalf hours, completing the passage from heads to heads in exactly 10 hours. Although on several subsequent occasions she has succeeded in making the run in from 10£ to 11 hours, her initial effort was not even equalled until Friday night. Tho weather was fine and the sea smooth. Over 300 passengers were on board, and took much interest in the trip, it being known to the most of them that the Loonjrana was out to break her own record. When the vessel reached the wharf at Launoeston next morning a large gathering of people was in waiting to welcome- friends on board, and Captain Livingstone and hie officers were freely congratulated on the vessel's fine performance.

The following vessels arrived at this port during the seven days ended January 7: — Warrimoo, s.s., 2076 tons; Corinna, s.s., 812: Talune, s.s., 1370; Wimmera, s.s., 1872; Suxolk. s.s.. 4680; Invercargill, s.s., 123; Victoria, s.s., 1870; — total tonnage, 12,303 tons. The departures were: Manuka, s.s., 2784- tons; Rimu. s.s., 14-3 tons; Hawk, scow. 138; Invercargill, s.s.. 123; Kbonya, s.s., 663; Warrimoo, s.s., 2076: Wanaka, s.s., 1572; Talune, s.s., 1370; Pharsalia, s.s., 2280; Kose Casey, s.s.. 81; Wimmera, s.s., 1872:— total tonnage, 13.099 tons.

The Perthshire, now in Sydney, is due at the Bluff about the 11th inst. to load wool for London, and calk at the principal coastal ports :n rotation, sailing finally, a full ship, from Auckland about the end ->f the present month. Sir William Mulock left Ottawa on November 26 for Mexico to confer with the Mexican Government on the establishment of an Atlantic steamship service between the two countries. The steamers will run from Montreal in the summer and a maritime port in winter. The service will be a monthly one to beerin with. A line has practically been established on the Pacific between Canada and Mexico, some small details only remaining to be settled between the contractors and the Mexican Government.

The Hamburg-American Steamship Company has ordered a 35, 000-ton steamer, Which will carry 14,000 tons of freight, 1200 cabin passengers, and 2388 steerage passen-ge-rs. What is most interesting about this new Anak of the sea is the restaurant. Many passengers complain of the food furnished by the steamship companies. The seasick think they have trouble enough without having to pay for food which they can't eat. The dainty prefer, or believe that they would prefer, to order their own meals, instead of submitting to the prescribed bill of fare. Tickets for this " liner " will be sold "with food" or "without food." The passenger can choose the American plaji or the- European plan, according to his purse and fancy.

H.M. ship Phcoba, which is to stay hera for an extended period, arrived at Vc.vi Chalmers on Sunday, and was anchored in Deborah Bay. During h-er presence in thc<sp waters she will ediol respectable young- men who may fco desirous of joiivng the service, and a first-class opportunity presents itself for deoent young follows to get a thorough training in nautical life in one of the smartest shin* of her cla=s in his Majesty'= service. We understand the Phfpbe will He in Port Chalmers for two -Ul-Qilth*-