THE P. AND O. SERVICE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2739, 18 February 1910, Page 3

THE P. AND O. SERVICE.

MALWA LEAVES WITH 100 PASSENGERS.

“AN. EPOCH-MARKING EVENT.”

[Ter Press Association. | AUCKLAND. Feb. 17. At 1 o’clock- yesterday afternoon luncheon was given, aboard the P. and O. Company’s s.s. Malwa, to mark the first arrival of a P. and O. steamer at Auckland. Captain Troquc presided, . and with him were the Hon. G. Fowlds, Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Find_ •lay, Attorney-General, Messrs. W. F. Massey, F. E. Baumo, F. Mander, A. E. Glover. M.’s P., and many others. The Hon. Dr. Findlay said he had to expiess the regret of the Prime Minister at his inability to ho present on this auspicious occasion. He could not understand how it was that Auckland had almost a monopoly of historic events. Almost everything of historic interest in connection, with New Zealand had taken place in Auckland. He put it down partly to Auckland’s I “push” and partly to a helpful Providence. The arrival of the Mahva was an historic event—“an epoch-marking event.” The P. and O. Company had sent one of their' 1 best vessels along, and the" recognised that it meant that New Zealand had progressed and earned the distinction of having a port of call. He was not speaking on behalf of Auckland’s people alone, although if Captain Troquc' read the Auckland ■papers he might Lolicve Auckland was the only place in New Zealand. (Laughter.) There were some other villages in the Dominion. The Dominion was proud of Auckland however. It was one- of her proudest daughters, though according to the local papers it was one of the shiest and most modest of her daughters. He believed that the time was now coming when the galaxy of companies which served Australia would shortly extend their operations to New Zealand. Their advent would mean a great deal to New Zealand. As a young country', it meant that they were being drawn closer to the Motherland. They were being favored by a visit from one of the loading captains of the P. and O. Company. He proposed the toast of “Success to the P. and O. Company and success to the commander of the Mahva, Captain Troquc.” Mr. W. F. Massey, in supporting Dr. Findlay, said 1 this was the first occasion on which he found himself “in the same port” with that hon. gentleman It meant a great that Auckland was to be made a port of call by the P. and O. Company. It did not require any prophet to foretell that within: a few years the volume of business would greatly increase, and he believed that the P! and 0. Company would reap its reward. On behalf of the producers of this country, lie expressed satisfaction that another strand would he added to the cable which would hind New Zealand to the Empire. He believed that the event tliev were that afternoon celebrating was an epoch-marking one in the history of Auckland and New Zealand.

Mr Trelawney, superintendent of tile P and 0. Company, responded on behalf cf the company, and expressed pleasure at meeting those present, and said that he hoped Mr. Massey’s propliocv would he fulfilled.

Captain Troquc also suitably responded to the. toast, and the gathering, then dispersed.

The Malawa left nromptly at 6 o’clock on lier return voyage, carrying over 100 passengers. She took no cargo, hut carried away bullion valued at £27,000.