The P. and O. Company are making several additions to their already tine fleet. A contract for a cargo vessel has been entered into with Messrs Sir Kaylton Dixon and Co., of Middlesborough, which will be delivered towards the end of September. The directors of this Company have also contracted wibh Messrs Cairdand Co. for the construction of two mail steamers, of 7,000 tons each, of the type of the Victoria class, but with greaterpowerand improved passen ger accommodation. These vessels.appear in the fleet list as bhe Himalaya and Aus tralia. Arrangements have also been made for tripling the engines of and refitting and lengthening the Rome and Carthago, by which ttiespeed of these vessels will be con siderably increased while their capacity and conforb as passengsr vessels will be greatly improved. Contracts have alao been arranged with the Naval Construction and Armaments Company, of Barrow, and with Messrs Caird and Co., respectively, for bhe construction of four steamere of large capacity, two being builb by each firm precisely the same type and dimen sions. These five vessels will be named the Aden, Java, Manila, Malacca and Formosa.
The planting of Orientsl planes along the lower end of Symonds-street and down Graffeon Road is proceeding apace. In a few years, if nob stolen, the trees will add materially to the beauty of the streets named. The planting in the reserves is also advancing. Some of the shrubs do not look altogether happy in their new homes, but no doubt when the spring comes the change to ornamental shrubs from solemn fir trees will be appreciated.
