THE B.M.S.S. IONIC.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7214, 27 November 1888, Page 4

THE B.M.S.S. IONIC.

The loxde left the Royal Albert Docks at soon on October 4th, and experienced fresh breezes and fine weather down the Chanrwt, and arrived at Plymouth at 3.50 ■pan. next day- She remained at Plymouth till 1.16 a-m. on 6th October, when she took her final departure from England. Moderate winds and fine weather prevailed across the Bay of Biscay, and this continued till the steamer's arrival at Tenertffe at 6JL4 a.m. on October 11th. She sailed again at 2.40 p.m. on .the &ame day. From Tenerifife to the line (which was crossed on October 18th, in long. a45W.), light and variable winds with fine weather prevailed. The JLE. trades were met with on October 29th, and they blew moderately strong, continntng until arrival at Capetown at 11 a.m. on October 27th. Alter a few hoars' stay this port was left the same day. For the first two days after leaving the Cape the lonic had strong S.K. winds and heavy cross seas, after which until arrival at Bobart, moderately to strong; H.W. to S.W. winds and fine weather were experienced. The Mewstoae was abeam at L 45 a.m. on November loth, and a* JUS the steamer anchored at Hobart, After discharging 300 tons of cargo, ehe Mftat&44a.m, on the 16th. At a 15pan. _. Tywniin Head was abeam, and more K. W. and fine weather were had on the I

I ran across. The lonic passed the Three Kings at 8 p.m. on November 20th, and arrived in Auckland on November 21st, the total time occupied being 45 days 9 boars 38 minutes, or excluding detentions, the actual steaming time was 43days 19 hours. A very pleasing ceremony occurred on board the R.M. &.&> lonic when, she was nearing Hobart on her present voyage. A deputation of the saloon passengers waited upon Captain Kid ley and presented him with the following testimonial as a token of their appreciation of his courtesy and care during the passage:— "Off Hobart, November l«h, 18S8. To Captain William Henry Kidley, Commander of the White Star steamer lonic. Dear Captain Kidley,—We, the undersigned saloon passengers, en voyage from England to Australia and New Zealand, take the opportunity of addressing you on our approaching arrival ac Hobart, after an exceptionally good and pleasant passage. Our happiness and welfare during the voyage have been in every respect promoted by yourself and your officers. To your and their skill, zeal, and forethought we must ever feel indebted. There is not a man of the ship's company brought by his duties into connection with the passengers who has not shown us every civility and attention. We recognise in their efficiency the careful, yet Kindly, discipline of the able commander, knowing that the example of the head is always followed by the subordinates. It may be true that the treatment we have received is only that accorded to every passenger on a White Star steamer, but still we feel that on this voyage your personal influence has counted for a very jrreat deal in the promotion of our comfort. We wish you health and prosperity, and as some slight token of our appreciation of your qualities as a sailor and a gentleman, beg you to accept the accompanying puree of sovereigns with the best wishes of the subscribers, and remain yours very sincerely.—W. McCulloch. G. V. A. McCnlloch, Minnie McCnlloch, Ella McCullocb, Katie McCulloch, Julian Thomas, Ethel M. Cliff, A. Michie, Mrs Michie, Henry K. Spicer, M. F. Spicer. W. F. M. Shells,!* Beatrice Shells, Ernest B. Elliott, Maude Elliot, E. Richardson, R. IL Wilson, A. Goule, C. L Keeves, M. Sinclair Thomson, L. Wheeler, M. E. Slaughter, E. C. McLaurin, Dora Eleswortn, John Lindley Ray, Alfred J. Baron, Edward C. Grenfell, Percy H. Gibson, —. Fabien, A. E. Sells, J. Mclntyre, C. McIntyre, B. Shutt, Herbert W. Reynolds, Ernest Lethbridge, David Kelly, J. Forester, Edwards, Edwyn Sandys Jackson, Hon. Sec.