STEAMER MOKOIA.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 371, 15 December 1898, Page 2

STEAMER MOKOIA.

LUNCHEON IN SYDNEY. IMPORTANT SPEECHES. [united press association.] (by electric telegeaph.—copyright), Sydney, December 13. The initiation of the Union Company's new steamer Mokoia in the intercolonial trade, was the occasion for a luncheon on board to day, which was attended by the leading representatives of commerce and politics of Sydney. The Premier (the Right Hon. G. H. Reid), several of the members of the Ministry, Mr Lyne, Sir George Dibbs, and Mr See were present. Mr Reid, iu replying to the toast of " The Ministry," said that the Mokoia represented the best which could be obtained, in a modern sense, in vessels of her size. She was absolutely the best ship afloat today in point of convenience, and improvements. The Premier hoped to do everything possible to cultivate trade relations with New Zealand, which was a great and enterprising colony. In the event of federation, while recognising that New Zealand's circumstances prevented her from joining, he expressed the hope that a federated Australia wou'd be found cultivating in a friendly spirit a close relation with New Zealand. From a personal knowledge he glowingly referred to the untiring energies of Mr Jackson, the local manager of the Union Steamship Company, in promoting the welfare of the company iu New South "Wales during the past 20 years. Mr See, who was Postmaster-General when the first San Francisco contract was made with the Union Steamship Company, hoped to see a fortnightly service with America inaugurated by the Union Company. While not disparaging the Suez route, it would be well iu the event of war to have a good service with Great Britain, through America, which would tend to uuite in closer bonds America aud the British race. The Union Company was a credit to Port Jackson. Sir George Dibbs said that while it was not creditable to New South Wales to tliiuk that they had allowed the intercolonial trade to slip from her, all honour was due to the enterprise of New Zealand and the Union Company, which had done a great service to this colony. Other speeches of a congratulatory character were made, in which reference was made to Mr James Mill's energy on behalf of the company.