Five 15-Knot Steamers

of the highest class, namely:—the" Tongariro," "Aorangi," and "Ruapehu," of 4,163 tons, and the "Kaikoura" and "Rimutaka," of 4,473 tons each, and 3,600 effective horse power, were ordered from the eminent firm of John Elder & Co., the first being launched on the 22nd August, 1883.

Pending this important augmentation of their fleet the requirements were met by chartering swift steamers, and in January, 1883, the "British King," of 3.559 tons reg., was despatched as the pioneer. The voyage was performed in 49 days, but since then the "Rimutaka" and "Aorangi" have covered the distance in 39 days 3 hours, whilst the "Kaikoura" has run home in 36 days 10 hours.

It is interesting to note that all of these fine ships, built especially for the New Zealand trade, are running at the present time, as throughout its career