The latest addition to the fleet is a magnificent vessel constructed after the most modern type of passenger steamships. She is named the Rose, was launched in June, 1902, is built of steel, and is 250 feet long, 36 feet 2 inches broad, and 15 feet deep. She is fitted with electric light in the saloon, staterooms and holds. Her saloon, which is a handsomely furnished and spacious apartment, is situated amidships forward of the engine room. The great breadth of the vessel makes her a remarkably steady sea boat, while her engines, which are triple-expansion and of great power, are capable of propelling her at the rate of 15½ knots per hour. She is nearly 1,400 tons gross, and carries 140 saloon passengers, in addition to those in the steerage.

In 1885 it was considered desirable to consolidate the several interests concerned, by forming this old-established business into a limited company, the title of the Company being The Glasgow, Dublin and Londonderry Steam Packet Co., Limited; but it is much better known by the short name of the “Laird Line.” Mr. William MacConnell, son of the late Mr. MacConnell, of the firm of Thomson & MacConnell, is the Managing Director.

The company’s steamship services are not confined to those to and from Glasgow, although we have shown that they have a very large share of the Clyde traffic, maintaining regular and frequent sailings between Glasgow and Greenock and Dublin, Londonderry, Coleraine, Sligo, Ballina and Westport; also during the tourist season a daily daylight service between Ardrossan and Portrush.

In connection with the Midland Railway Company of England a service of powerful steamers is maintained between Morecambe and Dublin, the steamers sailing from the respective ports on alternate days, and making the passage in about 10 hours.

Early next year, it is proposed to transfer the service from Morecambe to Heysham, and to maintain daily sailings to and from the latter port and Dublin.

The “Laird” steamers also sail in connection with the same railway company from Morecambe to Londonderry every Tuesday and Saturday, returning from Londonderry every Monday and Thursday.

From Fleetwood, in connection with the Lancashire and Yorkshire, and London and North-Western Railway Companies, a weekly service had been maintained for many years by the company’s steamers between Fleetwood and Londonderry, but in September, 1903, Messrs. Laird & Co. retired from this service.

From Liverpool also, steam communication is maintained with Larne, Coleraine and Westport. The fixed sailings are once a week from each port, but extra steamers are despatched according to the requirements of the trade.

The company’s fleet at the present date (1903) consists of 12 first-class powerful steamships, having an aggregate gross tonnage of 9,164 tons, and named as follows:—

Gross Tonnage.Gross Tonnage.Gross Tonnage.
Azalea748Elm521Olive1141
Brier728Fern503Rose1363
Cedar750Gardenia491Shamrock864
Daisy565Lily668Thistle822