THE STEAMER NGAPUHI.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 215, 5 November 1900, Page 2

THE STEAMER NGAPUHI.

THE TRIP HOUND THE NORTH OAPK. STEAMER BEHAVING SPLENDIDLY. A special correspondent of the Auckland Herald travelling with the new steamer, writing to his paper from Rawene, says" The recently-arrived steamer Ngapuhi which has been pecially built for the Onehunga and Taranaki trade, left Auckland or Saturday night, October 27, at eight o'clock. Through the courtesy of tindirectors and manager (Mr. 0. Ranson) of the Northern S.S. Company, a number of Auckland citizens were enabled to make the trip from Auckland to Onehunga in order to appreciate not only the good sea qualities and spewcl of the Ngapuhi, but also the efforts which have been made by the Northern S-S. Company for the comfort of passengers. Mangonui was reached on Sunday morning at ten o'clock. The whole of the inhabitants seemed to have turned out in order to view the steamer, and bunting was exhibited on most of the buildings in the township. After a most pleasant stay at Mangonui, the Ngapuhi started again at two o'clock upon her voyage round the North Cape towards Onehunga. Early on Monday morning the steamer was off the Hokianga Bar, which was crossed in a heavy sea, in whioh the boat behaved splendidly, as she has done throughout the whole trip, giving the greatest pleasure and comfort to those on board, Opononi, the residence of the vetran oolonist, . Mr. John Webster, was reached about eight o'clock. On .the arrival of the boat a salute was fired from the timehonoured guns on Mr. Webster's property, and a hearty welcome was given to the visitors at the wharf from every resident of ,the district. Mr. John Webster came immediately on board, and courteously asked all the passengers to partake of his hospitality. He showed them many objects of interest of the early days of New Zealand, whioh everyone appreciated. At eleven o'clock the Ngapuhi sailed for Rawene, where the passengers were received by a large gathering of both natives and Europeans, who had decorated the place with flags and other bunting. About one o'clock the chiefs and meujbsrs of the Ngapuhi tribe came ou board and the manager (Mr, Ranson) for the' honour he had conferred upon their tribe by naming the vessel Ngapuhi, after their ancestors, who had been always loyal, and they. trusted that the satrje success which followed the efforts of the Ngapuhi for justice and freedom would crown the efforts of the Northern Company in their bringing to New Zealand an up-to-date steamer like the Ngapuhi. Mr. 0. Ranson invited these, the representatives of the Ngapuhi tribe, to accompany the steamer to l£ohukohu," The Ngapuhi arrives a 1: the breakwater early this morning and will be open for public inspection during the morning and afternoon when (Japt, Morbury will be very pleised to s'-iow visitors over the ship. Although the favourite old Gairloch will be greatly missed, it is very gratifying that the trade of the port has warranted the building of such a large, smart, up-'.o- . date vessel as the Ngapuhi and the Northern Company are to be con- . gr.ttulated on their (S iterprife in in e'.- , ing requirements in iho way thoy lsve , done,