The length of time occupied in the building of these great ships is sufficient evidence, if any were needed, of the great care bestowed on their construction, and the builders, Messrs. Harland & Wolff, have their reward in witnessing the successful work which is being performed by two of the finest vessels the world has ever seen. These two beautiful vessels quickly lowered the record on the Atlantic. In July, 1891, the MAJESTIC steamed from Queenstown to New York in 5 days 18 hours and 8 minutes, the fastest passage then on record, but even this was eclipsed by the TEUTONIC the succeeding month by a passage of 5 days 16½ hours duration. [Illustration: R.M.S. TEUTONIC. White Star Line.] On January 1st, 1891, Mr. Ismay’s two elder sons, Mr. J. Bruce Ismay (previously the company’s agent in New York) and Mr. James H. Ismay, were admitted members of the firm. After 40 years’ business life Mr. T. H. Ismay, on the 31st December, 1891, retired from the firm of Ismay, Imrie & Co., but he continued to fill the position of chairman of the White Star Line until his decease in November, 1899. A large and handsome twin-screw passenger and mail steamer, the GOTHIC, of 7,755 tons, was added to the company’s New Zealand fleet in 1893, and four years later (1897) the DELPHIC, 8,273 tons, a twin-screw cargo steamer, with accommodation for one class of passengers only, was placed in the New Zealand service. Recognising that very considerable numbers of passengers are willing to sacrifice speed to comfort and safety, the managers of the White Star Line determined to make an innovation by building a twin-screw cargo steamer of exceptional size and power, fitted with accommodation for a limited number of saloon and third-class passengers. The new steamer which was called the CYMRIC, commenced work in the Liverpool and New York trade in 1898. Her tonnage is 13,096 tons gross. Her passenger accommodation in both classes is excellent, and she has proved a very attractive ship.