The Union Steam Ship Company survived as
New
Zealand’s premier shipping
company for 125 years, from 1875-2000. Many famous U.S.S.Co. liners
and cargo ships plied the ocean routes to ports in eastern North America,
the Far East, Australia, Pacific islands and of course, around the coast
of New Zealand. A vital trade route was Cook Strait which linked the
North Island with the South Island.
Awatea, Monowai,
Niagara, Rangatira, Wahine, Hinemoa, Maori,
Hawea, Wanaka, Tofua, Matua, Maunganui, Aorangi, Rotomahana, Wainui,
Wairarapa were
ship-names often repeated since the Company began in
1875.
At one stage the
U.S.S.Co. was the largest single private employer of personnel in New
Zealand.
There is currently no commemorative plaque to the
employees of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand.
The
ship's bell of
Union Rotoiti was retained by her last Master and
is in Auckland, New Zealand.
The bell, on permanent loan, could with your
help become part of a commemoration to the men and women of the Union
Steam Ship Company.
M.V. Union Rotoiti bell, photographer Alick
Wilson
The plan is to incorporate a
commemorative display consisting of the bell and a plaque to be installed
in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand.
Fund
raising has begun and will continue until the end of December
2007.
Provided sufficient funds are collected the unveiling will take
place at the Cathedral service on Sea and Shipping Sunday, 22nd June
2008.
To contribute to the Union Rotoiti Bell Fund or for
further information contact
Alick at alick@xtra.co.nz
or Chris at barradale@xtra.co.nz
Union
Rotoiti (1977) was the last ship to be built and owned by the
U.S.S.Co.
Although she was sold to foreign owners in 1999 she continued
to trade from New Zealand ports until sold for scrap in
2006.
