By the early 1870s there was widespread dissatisfaction in New Zealand with the service being offered by the Shaw Savill shipping line which dominated cargo and passenger trade between the colony and Britain.
The Herald was among the most vocal critics. At best, the Herald thought it a respectable but second-rate line and at worst an "incubus".
These remarks were made in the context of calling for a home-grown shipping line to serve the needs of local merchants and producers.
"We have our New Zealand Bank and New Zealand Insurance Company; and why not likewise have our New Zealand Shipping Company?"
In November 1872 a group of Canterbury farmers and merchants answered the question by establishing a company of that name. The New Zealand Shipping Company went on to make a great contribution to the economy and in 1971 was incorporated into P&O's general cargo division.
