The First Direct Steamer

the "Stad Haarlem," to convey 600 emigrants to the Colony, which was attracting an increasing share of public attention as an eligible field for British Settlers.

Between 1877 and 1882 the New Zealand Shipping Company carried 20,000 persons to the Colony, and the Directors finding the demand for space exceeding their power of supply increased the share capital to £1,000,000 in order that they might efficiently respond to the expansion.

Up to this time sheep rearing had been chiefly carried on for the purpose of wool growing, of which 60,000,000 lbs. were then being annually exported. All this however was destined to be revolutionized.

The New Zealand Shipping Company which had done so much to foster the trade of the Colony, effected one of the most conspicuous transformations which any industry has experienced by the introduction of refrigerating machinery for