A Fast Steamer for the Thames.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 14, Issue 714, 2 September 1869, Page 2

A Fast Steamer for the Thames.

The Daily Southern Cross, 28th August, says : —Every day we have fresh proofs of the attention which the Thames diggings are exciting amongst foreign capitalists, and there can be no doubt'that, when the weather enables the yield from the Thames gold-field to be very largely increased, foreign capital will be attracted hither in much greater quantities than at present. Within the past few days there has been a brisk competition between the rival proprietors of Thames steamers, and, as is generally the case under such circumstances, the public have been the immediate gainers—the fares being reduced to a standard which must he highly convenient to passengers between Auckland and the Thames. Despite this keen competition, however, foreign capitalists appear to think there is a good opening for a powerful s eamer with large carrying capacity. We have heard from an unexceptionably reliable source that a private letter was received in Auckland by the last English mail to the effect that tsvo New Zealand gentlemen have catted for tenders in London and Glasgow for the construction of a large steamer for the Thames trade, and the most advantageous tender of the two will be accepted. The new boat is to be capable of steaming fifteen knots an hour, and of carrying 500 passengers ; and, as soon ns the tenders are accepted, the work will be rapidly pushed on. She will be brought out in sections, under the superintendence of a competent person, and put together in Auckland as soon as possible after her arrival.