RECEPTION TO THE OFFICERS OP THE 'NEVADA.'

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 401, 24 April 1871, Page 2

RECEPTION TO THE OFFICERS OP THE 'NEVADA.'

We are greatly gratified to learn that preparations are proceeding to give a fitting reception to the officers of the magnificent steamship Nevada. This pioneer vessel of the new TransPacific service is now approaching our shores. Her very appearance must surround her advent with eclat; for such a triumph of naval architecture is not often given to the eyes of dwellers in these far off seas. But there are certain features about this event that compel its recognition in no ordinary way. The most enthusiastic friends of the late mail contract regarded it as only tentative • and it was generally acknowledged that even if it diet not come to an end from inherent weakness, it would speedily fail to satisfy the growing requirements of a traffic which is bound to become one of the most interesting in the world. The new line has all the characters of permanence ; and, as such, is deserving of some formal celebration in its inauguration. But, besides this, the fact of its being an American line of mail steamers, however we might desire the success of our own mercantile marine, demands a cordial, generous welcome to our Yankee cousins. Our relations with America are in their infancy ; hut it is an infancy that is full of promise. We have made the first overtures to cement our international friendship .by straining every nerve to open up commercial and mail communications. In the advent of the Nevada, our friends on the other side of the Pacific reciprocate our feelings and respond to our efforts, and it is in the highest degree desirable that we should formally express our congratulations and sing jubilate over the real opening of the Trans-Pacific mail service. We sincerely trust that the movement now in progress for the formation of a committee and the arrangement of all necessary means for giving a fitting welcome to the Nevada, will meet with a cordial response from the mercantile and general community, and that we shall all be .pardoned if we indulge in a certain amount of " spiead-eagleism" on such an auspicious occasion.