The first speaker was Mr.
Lester, chairman of the Shang! Dock & Engineering Ca, builders of the vessel, who spoke on behalf of that company, "The Hsin Yangtze '80 successfully launched," he said, 'a further step in the of this port, Built under Lloyd's special survey their highest d breadth. She is to be fitted with modern triple expansion engines of over 1,200 horse power and in ad. dition to this no less than 15 sets of independent steam engines are fitted for the different auxiliary requirements, Many of you present. own look back about 25 years when pilot service was maintained here by sailing schooners, and, when the first steam pilot boat came into service in 1902 and the second, the Yangtze, in 1906 it was felt that the word was said, Bog Shanghai was just beginning to open out and now with the "Hsin, (or new,) Yangtze" I think that most of us agree that the present and near future is well provided for.
"During the construction of the vessel we have bad @ great many ficulties to contend with including the disastrous coal strike in Britain and civil wars and other troubles very near our own doors, but I hope our efforts to carry out this contract without undue delay will appeal to our friends, the Shanghai Pilot Boat Ca, It is the first large vessel we have built for them and while they may not be in the market in the near future we trust the results will justify our hope that the vessel berth this ore."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.