STEAM TO NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 820, 11 June 1853, Page 3

STEAM TO NEW ZEALAND.

A Meeting of merchants and others interested in the introduction of steam to New Zealand, was held at the officeof Messrs. Bethune and Hunter, Exchange, 'Wellington, yesterday afternoon to hear 'the -statements and explanations of Captain H. Williams, the agent of a company in y England tfow forming to connect the different Provinces of New Zealand by means of steam, and" to confer with him on the subject. The meeting was numerously attended. K. Bethune, Esq., was called to the chair. The Chairman introduced • Capt. Willams to the meeting, who read'tKe prospectus of the ! Company from which it appeared that it was proposed to raise 'the su'&A'of £24,000, -the capital of " the Company; fj in 1,200 shares of £20' each, half to be paid" 1 - 6n the allotment of the shares, and the remainder in calls of £5 per share.. To obtain • tHe'r.co-operation and support of the colonists rHras proposed to reserve a moiety of the snakes- for sale in the colony, the shareholders, m the colony having under certain .condition^ a limited power over the Company's affairs' bjr means' of their representatives, ' "Twbsifoir- Steamers of -320 tons each, and- 70 -lidrs&power, with screw propellers, were stated' to b& in progress, one of which might be shortly expected in the colony. Captain Williams said'ne' 3 had' had all interview with the Governofpwho had expressed himself favorably on the^subject, and was extremely desirous of giving effect to the wishes of the settlers' in introducing steam communication to the colony. •' Hi ' In answer to questions which were -put to him by the meeting, Captain Williams stated that a certain number of shares were offered to the colonists in order more fully to obtain their co-operation, and ensure a sucessful result, and allow them tcr participate 1 in any benefits resulting from the undertaking. The settlers at Auckland wfere favorably disposed to the introduction of steam, but wished one of the boats to be employed between Auckland and Melbourne, It was suggested that at least one of the boats should be employed to maintain the communication between the different "Southern * settlements. After some further' discussion the following resolutions were car- j ried unanimously. * j Moved by Mr. Clifford, seconded by Mr. AllenrTbat a Committee be. appointed to confer j with Captain Williams upon the proposed Steam Company, and to draw up a report to be laid before a Meeting of the Inhabitants of

this Settlement ; the Committee to consist of Messrs. Bethune, Rhodes, Clifford, Allen, Dancan,- Johnston, Herirey, Hort," Kelham, . Moore; Bowler, Raymond, mod Levin. Proposed by Captain Rhodes,, seconded by Mr. Kelhana — • That this Meeting cordially welcomes Capt. ■ Williams, and favourably entertains the. introduction of Steam to New Zealand, and will gfre him its support.. The thanks of the meeting were then voted i to the' Chairman, andUie meeting separated.