Story: Shipping

Engineers of the Monowai

Engineers of the Monowai

The Monowai’s engineers pose proudly for a Christmas card by enterprising Port Chalmers photographer David De Maus. The men had every reason to be pleased with their berth. When delivered in 1890, the 3,433-ton Monowai was the biggest ship in the Union Company fleet. She was also speedy, making 14.5 knots on trials and 12.5 in service. In 1894 she made a record passage from San Francisco and delivered the British mails at Auckland 31 days after their dispatch from London.

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Museum of Wellington City and Sea
Reference: 2409/88
Photograph by David Alexander De Maus

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How to cite this page:

Gavin McLean, 'Shipping - The era of steam', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/ephemera/5675/engineers-of-the-monowai (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Gavin McLean, published 12 Jun 2006, updated 1 Jan 2016