Douglas Lapraik Steamship Company

THE DOUGLAS LAPRAIK STEAMSHIP COMPANY.

The history of the formation of the Douglas Steamship Company, is very interesting. The foundations of what is now a large and important undertaking were laid by Mr. Douglas Lapraik. who carried on business in the Colony as a watchmaker and jeweller. He conceived the idea that there was profit to be made in trading along the China coast, and, consequently, in conjunction with a few friends he purchased several small steamers and started upon the venture. Upon his death he left his interest in the seven vessels which had been employed in the trade to his nephew, Mr. John Stewart Lapraik, and he, on July 28, 1883, floated the Douglas Steamship Company. Since then the general trade of the Company with the coast ports and Formosa, has largely increased, for. although the vessels employed have diminished in number, they have been replaced by several of far greater carrying capacity. For ten years Mr. J. S. Lapraik took an active interest in the management of affairs, and, after his death, his partner, Mr. Davis, assumed control. He was succeeded by Mr. Lewis, who, in 1900, was joined by Mr. H. P. White, the present manager at Hongkong. Formerly the headquarters of the Company were situated on the Praya, or Connaught Road as it is now called, but they have since been removed to Douglas Street.