A Direct Colonial Line with Great Britain.

The competition thus created stimulated those who previously held the field to exert their influence to prevent page 55 the diversion of their trade. But the patriotic zeal which animated the founders intensified in proportion to the need, and an appeal was issued to the Exporters to support the new undertaking in the interests of the Colony whilst the importers in turn were reminded of the too familiar fact that it was "necessary to release themselves from the excessive rates of freight which restricted the development of commerce, and to enjoy those facilities of direct communication which should obviate the risk and damage entailed by transhipment in Australia."

These cogent appeals received the anticipated response. All the shares were absorbed in New Zealand and an announcement made of the charter of eighteen fine clipper ships and the despatch of the