THE UNION COMPANY.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7895, 12 April 1897, Page 3

THE UNION COMPANY.

NEW BOATS AND NEW PLANS. Wellington, to-day. The Hon. Mr McLean has received information that the s.s, Moaua, which replaces the Monowal in the 'Frisco route, did 17 knots on her trial trip, half a knot more than stipulated. She is of 4500 tons and has very superior cabin accommodation, each stateroom being fitted with a chest of drawers and Borne with wardrobes. The Waikare, of 3000 cons, for tha intercolonial service, is expected to arrive a t the end of June. Either Capt. Phillips or Capt. Darling will bring her out. The company intend to build a new steamer for the Onebunga-.Wellington running, 200 feet long, with a beam of 32ft, twin screws, fast, and able to cross the Mamikau bar at any state of the tide. The vessel will be specially fitted for passengers and will replace the Mahinapua, which will be further improved and sent to Tasmania. The Richmond is to be altered and put upon the Greymouth running; with the Wainui. The Takapuna is to have her passenger accommodation remodelled. The work required by this programme will be dove in ihe winter months and the cost will run into some thousands. The directors of the Company are considering tho question of the Western Australian 'Trade aud are prepared to lay on (ha Hawea or some other cargo boat if required, but the obstacle in the way is the want of back freight.