FAST STEAMSHIPS. Reducing the Time of Crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 215, 13 August 1887, Page 5

FAST STEAMSHIPS. Reducing the Time of Crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

The London "Gazette" says: Favoured largely with fair winds and a smooth sea, the Cunard steamer Umbria has succeeded in reducing- the Atlantic record by two hours and a half, and it now stands at six days and three hours between Queenstown and New York. Her sister ship, the Etruria, stands second, at six days and five hours, but the new North German Lloyd lino steamer now being built will make much faster voyages to and from Southampton, and the German and International Company's two steamers, the keels of which have just been laid, will bring the record down to five days and a half. One good effect of this Atlantic competition will be the placing of better boats on the Pacific, the displaced boats of the Atlantic being re-engined and sent around to trade between Vancouver City and Chinese and Japanese ports. It is a question, however, if the rage for fast steaming suits the companies, who would like to rest on their oars, or screw-propellers, and earn dividends. Ship-builders and engineers are continually forcing them to re- model their fleets, and to keep advancing with the times. Another firm is said to have accepted a contract for ships that will do thirty miles an hour.