In 1894 contracts were placed with Sir Raylton Dixon & Co., Middlesbrough, for three steamers of exactly similar dimensions and engine power. The first of these was the SAXONY, launched December, 1894. She is a steel screw steamer of 3,500 tons deadweight, and fitted with triple-expansion engines (constructed by Blair & Co., Ltd., Stockton) working up to about 1,500 horse-power effective. The following month (January, 1895) her sister ship, the NORMANDY, was delivered, and February of the same year witnessed the completion of the third vessel, the LOMBARDY. The steamer which succeeded these was 1,000 tons larger. She is named the BRITTANY, and was built in 1898 by Messrs. Richardson, Duck & Co., Stockton. She is a steel screw steamer, 330 feet long, by 43 feet beam and 16 feet 6 inches depth, with a deadweight carrying capacity of 4,500 tons. She is, like all her sister ships, propelled by triple-expansion engines constructed by Blair & Co., Ltd., Stockton. The opening of the 20th century was marked by a further and an important advance in the carrying capacity of the firm’s steamers. Contracts were placed with Messrs. Richardson, Duck & Co. for three steamers, two of which are each of about 6,500 tons, and the third of about 5,500 tons deadweight. The first of the trio, the BARBARY (second of that name) was delivered in May, 1901, and the TARTARY in July following. Both these vessels are practically identical as regards size and power. They are each 370 feet long, with a beam of 48 feet 1 inch, and a depth of 19 feet and a half. Their engines (triple-expansion) develop 3,000 horse-power. In November of the same year the BURGUNDY, a vessel of somewhat smaller dimensions, was completed. The fleet of Messrs. David MacIver & Co.’s line to the River Plate at present consists of seven full-powered steamers, but before the close of the present year an eighth steamer, the ARABY, now in course of construction, and of about the same dimensions as the BURGUNDY, will be placed on the service. Formerly the steamers were each registered as a single ship company, but in 1900 they were all incorporated in David MacIver, Sons and Co., Ltd. The Directors of the Limited Company are David MacIver, Esq., M.P., his son Charles MacIver, Esq., and Charles Livingston, Esq. The steamers of Messrs. David MacIver and Co.’s line are deservedly popular with shippers and consignees in the River Plate trade, who are able to depend upon them for regularity of service and careful handling of their goods, and with underwriters for their freedom from serious accidents. All the steamers are comparatively new, and are fitted with the most modern and perfect appliances for the rapid and effective loading and discharging of general cargo.