It was the first meeting of the company under the scheme of reconstruction which was lately decided upon and which itself market the success that has attended the wisely directed management of the company's business.
And it was the last general meeting to be attended by Sir James Mills in the capacity of managing director of the company.
With the history of the company, from the time of its humble beginnings as a purely Dunedin concern with a couple of small packets engaged in a modest coastal service, the name of Sir James Mills has been so intimately associated - he has occupied the position of managing director from the commencement of its operations - that the change which is now impending in his relationship to the company is one of distinct interest to the general public.
Sir James Mills would himself be the first to disclaim the suggestion that it is he who has made the Union Steam Ship Company what it is - one of the most important shipping companies in the whole world - but it would be idle to deny that the company owes its success in very large measure to the masterly skill with which he has guided its affairs, and to the conspicuous foresight with which he has planned its development.
During the past few weeks a good deal has been heard in criticism of the company.
It has been freely denounced in many quarters as a monopoly, as though that were the last word to be said in condemnation of any privately owned concern.
It is, of course, incorrect to describe the company as a monopoly.
The ocean highways are open to any combination of people who choose to build vessels to ply upon them.
And in so far as the Union Steam Ship Company conducts the bulk of the carrying trade on the coast of New Zealand and between Australia and New Zealand it is reaping the reward of its own enterprise not merely in providing but actually in anticipating the requirements of the mercantile community and the travelling public.
It has built a fleet which by reason both of its dimensions and also of its excellence excites the surprise and extorts the admiration of overseas visitors and is regarded with pride by residents of New Zealand as a striking illustration of the successful management of a colonial business.
And while the Union Steam Ship Company has catered in a remarkable fashion for the needs of the population, it is to be remembered to its credit that the treatment which it has extended to its employees has been gratefully acknowledged by those who are in a position to speak with authority on the point to be superior to that experienced in most shipping services.
• A strawberry grower of Alexandra, Mr Kitto, has had a record season.
Although the season as far as his crop is concerned is not yet done, he has already sent away over 20,000 pottles.
He sent 400 one day last week.
The largest one-day consignment that has come under our notice (says the Alexandra Herald) is that of Mr Bringans, who despatched over 1900 pottles. - ODT, 23.12.1913
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