Until quite recently the only direct communication with New Zealand has been by sailing vessels, but the New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited) and the Shaw, Savill, & Albion Company (Limited) are at the present moment in the thick of organising monthly services of high-class modern steamships to the Antipodes. The former Company in 1883 despatched the _Ionic_, which they had chartered, with other of the White Star steamships, for the purpose. This vessel made the passage out to New Zealand in 43 days, and home in 45 days, including stoppage for coaling. Passages of a similar character have been made by this vessel and others of the Company’s own fleet, three of which—the _Tongariro_, _Aorangi_, and _Ruapehu_—are splendid new steel vessels from the stocks of the famous Fairfield yard. The vessel last named has just made the passage home from Lyttelton, New Zealand, to Plymouth, in the marvellously short period of 37 days, 20 hours, 40 minutes, steaming time; the time, with detentions, being about 39 days. The other Company referred to are having two magnificent steel vessels built by Messrs Denny & Bros., of Dumbarton, to be named the _Arawa_ and _Tainui_, each of 5000 tons gross. These vessels are to maintain a sea speed of 12½ knots, the engines to be fitted representing a noteworthy advance in the line of economical consumpt of fuel with prolonged terms of steaming. * * * * * Between 1875 and 1882 the number of steamers having ocean speeds of 13 knots and upwards, increased from twenty-five to sixty-five. Of these there were only ten—previous to 1875—of 14 knots speed and upwards, whereas at the beginning of 1882 there were twenty-five of this character. During the years 1882 and 1883 alone the increase in the number of such vessels has been almost double that for the previous period named. The highest speed previous to 1875 did not exceed 15 knots, now there are numerous vessels with speeds exceeding 17 knots, several even approaching 18 knots, while in one or two cases the speed attained—under favourable circumstances probably—is stated to have been considerably over 18 knots, the Guion Liner _Oregon_, indeed, reaching the round figure of 20 knots. Viewed purely from the point of view of the sea voyager, such results are alike remarkable and gratifying, whilst considered in their technical and commercial aspects they also call for admiration. It is questioned, however, whether in most cases the attainment of great speed has been accompanied with corresponding or proportionate advance in other matters with which vital progress is concerned. Commercially, it is of the utmost importance that increase of speed and power should be achieved, with the least possible weight of machinery, water, and fuel to be carried; with the least possible expenditure of fuel; with safety and efficiency in working; with low wear and tear, and cheapness of maintenance.