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Illustrated Guide to Christchurch and Neighbourhood

The Union Steamship Company

page 156

The Union Steamship Company.

This essentially New Zealand Company was established in 1875, and it is one of which the colony has every reason to be proud. It possesses a fleet of twenty-seven steamers, ranging from 92 to 1727 tons register, fourteen of them being 1000 tons register and upwards. In their hands is almost the entire coastal service of New Zealand, besides the weekly mail and other services between this colony and Victoria, New South. Wales, Tasmania, and the Fijian Islands. Their vessels are magnificently fitted up, with all the latest improvements, either as regards the comfort of passengers or the speed of their trips; and the commanders are experienced men who have known our coasts for many years.

The Company arranges for carrying tourists to all the wonders of New Zealand scenery, including, in the North Island, the Hot Lakes and Geyser districts, and the Pink and White Terraces of Rotomahaua; and in the South Island the Great Cold Lakes and Ice Fields, and Mount Cook and its Glaciers. Besides these, during the month of January in each year, special excursions are made to the famous West Coast Sounds; while in July and August special trips are made to the beautiful islands of the South Seas, including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti.

The head offices of the Company are in Dunedin, but they have branches in all the ports of the colony. In Christchurch the offices are in Cashel-street, at the corner of Manchester street, an illustration of which we give. Mr. R. Puflett is the Christchurch agent, and to his business ability, combined with. general courtesy, is due, in no inconsiderable degree, the popularity of the Company in Canterbury.