OUR STEAMSHIPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6873, 7 June 1890, Page 4

OUR STEAMSHIPS.

A MARVELLOUS DEVELOPMENT. [FBOK OUB SPECIAL COEBEBPONDBNT.] WELLINGTON, June 6. The Monowai was the object of consider able attention at the wharf to-day. Thi Company made a charge of sixpence fo admission, in aid of the Public Librar; fond. The Monowai was not densol; -crowded, I may say, in consequence; I must have been lively for the passengen to have a straggling lot of people wander ing round the saloons, drifting about thi passages, staring in at the state-rooms gazing at the marble baths, asking qnes tions and getting into everybody's way The Monowai made her appearance ii good company, the Aorangi, the Moray shire and the Coptic being all in harbour a -the time; but though the company wai good, it was none too good for thi f handsome, commodious Unioner. Shi .held her own in size and looks, am her conveniences, winches and gear bea everything in port hollow. I saw tbe ole Wakatipu at one of the wharves, and thi flight of that useful, safe veteran carrie: reminded me of the time when she was th< leading ship in the intercolonial trade I remember that you, Sir, had an editoria -about her lying alongside the Screw Pih Jetty (I believe that was the jetty, but J am not very sure) in Lyttelton. If ] remember right you said that was "ai epoch-making sight." Or if you did nol use those words, that was the kernel oi your idea. That was long before we thought of direot steam, the dream of pool old James Macandrew which everybody aaid would only be realised three genera* tions after him. And thero was th< Wakatipu, lying discharging her coa] quite unnoticed among the big steamers The wharf was full of people talking about similar contrasts. There were mei -who remembered when the Taupo anc JSawea were the cynosures of all eyes, and the occasion of prudent remarks about that rißky Union Company and the young Manager who was inclined to go the pace Before them tnere were the Phoebe, anc the Wellington, and the Bangatira, anc the Lord Ashley, all of which had theii fervent admirers once, and were remeni' toered yesterday. Beyond them the tall went, and then it dealt with names un familiar to your humble servant, wh< escaped from antiquity by stepping off the wharf and going back to business.