THE UNION COMPANY'S NEW BOAT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 6112, 14 December 1898, Page 2

THE UNION COMPANY'S NEW BOAT.

\ —* — 1 THE MOKOIA. s (Received December 13, 650 p. m.) j Syii.vey, December 13.

The initiation of the Union Company's new steamer Mokoia, which recently arrived from Glasgow, into the intercolonial trade, was to-day signalised by a luncheon attended by the leading figures in the trade, commerce and politics of New South Wales. The Premier (the Right Hon. G. lteid), Sir George Dibbs, several members of the Ministry, Mr Lyno mid Mr See, prominent members of the Legislature, were among the guests,

The Premier, in replyiug to the toast of " The Ministry," said he regarded the Mokoia as representing the best of what could be obtained in a modern vessel, and for her size she was absolutely the best ship afloat to-day so far as convenience and utilisation of the latest improvements were concerned, Mr lleid said he hoped to do everything possible to cultivate trade relations with New Zealand, which was undoubtedly a great and enterprising colony. In the event of federation -and while recognising that the circumstances of New Zealand prevented her joining—he expressed a hope that federated Australia would bo found cultivating in a friendly spirit close relations with New Zealand. From personal knowledge he glowingly referred to the untiring energies of Mr Jackson, the local manager, in promoting the welfare of the company in New South Wales during the past twenty years. Air See, who was PostmasterGeneral when the first San Francisco contract was made by tho Company, snidlio hoped to seo a fortnightly service with America inaugurated by the Union Company, While not disparaging the Suez route, he thought it would be well in the event of war lo liaye a good service with Great Britain through America, This would tend to draw closer the bonds with America and the British race generally. TheUuion Company was ut credit to Port Jackson.

Sir George Dibbs, wbile not regarding it as creditable that New South Wales should have allowed the intercolonial trade lo slip from her, thought all honour was due to the enterprise of New Zealand, and the Union Company particularly, which had done great service to this Colony, The other speeches were of a congratulatory character, reference being made to the energy shown by Mr James Hills, general manager of I be Company,