THE DIRECT STEAM SERVICE

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2698, 30 November 1882, Page 3

THE DIRECT STEAM SERVICE

The “ Daily Times ” of a recent date makes the following remarks with reference to the New Zealand Shipping Company’s arrangements:—We are authorised to state that the New Zealand Shipping Company’s arrangements are now completed for establishing a steam service quite irrespective of the tenders called for by the Government, which are on such conditions as are not likely to result in a service which will he advantageous to the colony from a passenger point of view. The first steamer of the New Zealand Shipping Company’s line will proceed to Wellington and Lyttelton, and load at the latter port in March ; after that the directors of the company will be open to make satisfactory arrangements for loading steamers of the line at Port Chalmers and other places as trade may warrant. The steamers are all to he fitted with the most approved refrigerating machinery. The vessels are not likely to exceed a draft of 22ft to 23ft loaded, and it is to he hoped the Harbor Board will do their utmost forthwith to secure the entry of such vessels at or near high water. The passenger accommodation of the boats, which are being built for the company by Messrs Elder, of the Clyde, will be of the most superior description, and the vessels will be fitted with all modern appliances The sea-going speed will be twelve knots. With such lioats a forty-five to fifty days’ service, -with easy running, will be assured. Whether the proposals of the Government are taken up or not, therefore, the colony is certain to see a direct service established next year —one that we are assured will not be of a local nature, but applicable to the whole colony as trade requirements may demand.

East and West Coast Railway. —The committee of the Railway League held an ordinary meeting last evening. A telegram was received from the Hon. Thomas Dick, stating that the Government had asked the Commissioners to report on the West Coast railway, and proposed to have a flying survey made and to collect such further information as might be sufficient to enable the Assembly to deal with the matter. A resolution was passed to the following effect.telegram from the Colonial Secretary, this,. League desires to impress on the J Government that the object of its constitution is to connect the West Coast with Christchurch by the best and shortest route possible, having regard to economy and the commercial advantages the various routes respectively offer; and that the Government be requested to issue a new Commission to report on such line before the next meeting of Parliament.” A report of the meeting appears elsewhere.