From tHe "Nortu-Carina Dairy News" or DECEMBER 17, 1878
'The air is full of rumours respecting the future of the China Merchants' Steam Navigation Ca., consequent, it may be supposed, upon the action recently taken with respect to the foundry and dock worked by the company in Hongkew. The latest rumour is, and we give it with all reservation, that Mr. Robert Hart is engaging 'a staff of employees in England for the special purpose of working the business on behalf of the company. Should-this be true, it will give colour to what has been said respecting both the finances and the ill-success attending their administration hitherto.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.