N.Z. S. CO.'S LINE OF STEAMERS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1203, 12 July 1884, Page 1

N.Z. S. CO.'S LINE OF STEAMERS.

The New Zealand Shipping Company's stetmnhip Ruapehu, Cnptiin W. C. Cro'ti-hlt-y, R N.R., has achieved tlie proud I'istiuciiou of having mule the shortest passage on le-oid fnm N«w. Zealand. The Kuain-hu sailed from Port Lytteltou on April s : h a" 1.45 p.m., and arrived in Plymouth S >un<l on the 14ih May at 1.45 p.m. She .v.»s detained at Kio de Janeiio froin 9 a.m. on April 17th until 11.20 « ni. on the 28 h, and she called off San Cruz. TVnenff , to report at midnight on May Bh. Th-se detentions amoumed to 1 day 3 horns 2f> minutes, which, deducred from the 39 days occupied in the passage, m-'ke the acmal steaming time from Port Lytteltou to Plymouth only 37 days 20 hours 40 mioafc»s, a run which has never been equalled. The Tongariro's rapid passage in February last of 38 days 3 hours 5 minutes—until last week "the quickest on record " —has thus been beaten by the Ruapehu by 6 hours 25 miumes. Tlie Ruapehu ran 11881 mile-, her "«f»n hourly *pe- d beuig 12.9055 knots, and the greatest day's run 324.4 milt*. During the first part of the voyage stroog head winds were experienced, and rounding C .pe Horn gales and squalls prevailed. The voyage was made almost entirely under stenn. 01 very few occasions and at very short intervals could canv><B be and then only fore an-* aft sail'. One hour and five minofrs after re iohing Plymouth Sound, the Ru»phu wus stealing up the Channel ">' London. It is -probalne that after June 17th—when the lonie was to leave London - the Company will, only dispatch a steamel one--a month, alternating with the San Francisco mail steamer. Under the new arrangement, commencing from Octobei Dext, the Shaw Savill and Albim steamers will, in conjunction with thi New Zealand Shipping Company'* boata, supply a fortnightly direct steamer front London and Plymouth.—Press.