THE TONGARIRO.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 30, 3 January 1884, Page 3

THE TONGARIRO.

The City Press oi October 27th says:—The Chairman of the New Zealand Shipping Company (Mr. J. C. Coster) invited a small party ,o view the ship on Wednesday afternoon, a luncheon being afterwards served on board. Amongst the guests were Sir Julius Vogel, Aiderman Sir T. Dakin, Sir Charles Clifford (agent for New Zealand), Sir Arthur Bly th (agent for South Australia), Sir Saul Samuel (Agent-General for New South Wales), Hon. Mr. Archer (agent for Queensland), Mr. W. Pearce (Messrs. J. Elder and Co.), and a number of New Zealand colonists. After the dejeuner, which was served in elegant style, several toasts were given. The Chairman, in proposing the toast of “ The Colonies,” observed that this was the first steamer built for the direct trade between the mother country and any one of the Australian colonies. [Hear, hear.] The New Zealand Shipping Company had many more to follow, and he hoped their example would be copied by the Continental colonies of Australasia. He referred to the increasing prosperity of New Zealand, and remarked that they were opening up a new industry in the introduction of food to this country. Sir C. Clifford said he made the passage to New Zealand in the George Fife in 1842 in five months, and they were nearly starved before they got there. He did not think the passengers by the Tongariro would share the same fate. (Hear, hear). This enterprise was due to the industry and energy of the New Zealand people themselves, and not to any speculative London company. Sir Saul Samuel said the progress they had made was so marvellous that he thought they were entitled to a New Guinea. (Laughter and applause). Sir Arther Bly th and Mr. Archer also responded. Sir Julius,Vogel proposed the toast of “ The New Zealand Shipping Company,” observing that they were much indebted to their London manager (Mr. Strickland). The Chairman warned other companies that they would not be able to compete with them in New Zealand waters. Mr. W. Pearce responded for “ The Health of the Shipbuilders,” and Mr. Strickland and Captain Hallett for a similiar compliment to ’ themselves, “ The Health of the Guests ” being acknowledged by Aiderman Sir T. Dakin.