Interesting Facts about the New Zealand Shipping Company.

The Company was founded in Christchurch, N.Z., in November, 1872; was registered there in January, 1873, and commenced business in London in the following April

The Company possesses the swiftest and best appointed steamers in the New Zealand trade.

The "Tongariro" has run three times round the world, including all stoppages for loading, discharging, &c, in 11 months 11 days.

So rapid was the growth of the Company that during the second, third and fourth years of its existence it despatched 150 ships to the Colony, carrying 28,670 souls, 15,938 of whom were carried during 1874.

The Company landed 2,000 tons of Dairy Produce in London last year.

During the year ending June, 1891, it carried 750,000 carcases of mutton and about 4,500,000 lbs. of beef.

During the last ten years it has spent about £1,250,000 in steamers and refrigerating machinery for the frozen meat trade.

The fleet carries 1,098 hands, their wages amounting to £60,000 per annum.

The annual expenditure exceeds £500,000 per annum.

Its steamers consume considerably over 100,000 tons of coal per annum.

The Company's steamers have all been built specially for the New Zealand trade and possess the best accommodation for passengers.

The Company's Rules state:—"The Purser is enjoined to lose no opportunity to meet and anticipate the wants and requirements of passengers. He must constantly study the best means to provide a tasteful and liberal table."

The Cabins are heated during cold weather.