U.S.S. CO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1937, 20 November 1906, Page 2

U.S.S. CO.

FIVE NEW STEAMERS ORDERED.

PRESS ASSOCIATION

Auckland, last night. 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 lints of tho Maheno, but fitted with tviin screw reciprocating engines. She would have a gross tonnage of 6000 tons, and a speed of LG knots fully loaded. She would be completed in August next, and would arrive in the colony about this time next -year. Another was a fast turbine steamer for the Lyttelton-Wellington ferry

’ service, to replace the Rotomahana. 1 She would be 3000 tons, capable of s maintaining a speed of 20 knots, with ’ accommodation for about 600 passes ' go rs. He had also arranged tor 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. Tho fifth vessel would he a small tug-boat to be used in tending the Company’s boats at Wellington. She was to be a powerful little vessel, fitted with salvage gear. The whole of the vessels were expected to be ready for service about this time next year. Mr Mills also purchased a sister ship to the , Kaituna, now on her way tp the colony. She would be used for general coal and cargo trade. Mr Mills stated that he felt before long the turbine system would be adopted on all pas-* - senger steameis where a high rate o$ s eed waa required.