THE GROWTH OF THE ALLAN STEAMSHIP LINE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2163, 31 January 1881, Page 2

THE GROWTH OF THE ALLAN STEAMSHIP LINE.

The following sketch of the history of the Allan lino of steamers was given by Mr Kirk, of the firm of Messrs 11. Napier and Bono, the shipbuilders, on occasion of the launch of the Parisian, to which wo referred recontly:—Sixty years ago the Messrs Allan commenced running sailing ships from Glasgow to Canada, and twenty-eight years ago they built their first steamship, a vessel of 1500 tons, for the mail service between Liverp ol and Canada. Now this has expanded to a fleet of twenty-four ocean steamships, amounting to over 70,00 tons, while

tbe total tonnage owned by them amount* to very close on 100,000 tons. This u certainly a wonderful achievement for a ningle family to accomplish, and could not have been done hod not the comfort and oafoty of their passengers been ever a matter ef anxious oare. To them is dne the introduction on the great Atlantis steamers of the plan of having a flush or covered upper deck, in which they have been followed by all first-class Atlantic lines. They too, first led the way in the tame service in the introduction of steel, and of the bracket-framed doable bottom, both great additions to strength and safety, in which they are now being followed by the Oonard Company.