THE UNION COMPANY.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8061, 20 November 1906, Page 2

THE UNION COMPANY.

ADDITIONS TO THE FLEET. AUCKLAND, Yesterday. Mr James Mills, managing director of the Union Steamship Company, returned by the Ventura. He states that while at Home, he placed orders for five new steamers. One would be a large passenger steamer for the intercolonial trade somewhat upon the Hues of the Maheno but fitted with twin screw and reciprocating engine. She would have a gross tonnage of IiOOO tons and a speed of 1(3 knots fully loaded. She would be completed iu August next and would arrive in the colony about this time next year. Another was a fast turbine steamer for the LytteltonWellington ferry service, to replace the Rotomahana. She would be over 3000 tons, capable of maintaining a speed of 20 knots, with accommodation for about GOO passengers. He also arranged for two cargo steamers, one for the general trade, with a dead-weight carrying capacity of 7500 tons, and the other for the Westport coal trade, which would have a dead-weight carrying capacity of 3200 tons. The fifth vessel would * be a small tugboat to be used in tending the Company's boats at Wellington. She would be a powerful little vessel, fitted with salvage gear. The whole of the vessels would be ready for service about this time next year. Mr Mills also purchased a sister ship to the Kaituua, whfbh is now on her way to the colony. She would be used for the general coal and cargo trade. Mr Mills said he felt sure that before long the turbine system would be adopted in all passenger steamers where a high rate of speed was required.