SHIPPING.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 102, 28 September 1874, Page 2

SHIPPING.

PORT OF LYTTELTON,

arrivals. September 27—Transport, brig, from Newcastle, with coals. September 27—Canterbury, schooner, 9b tons, Russell. . , 00 September 27—Maiden City, schooner, 2.5 tons, Prescott, from the Bays. September 27 —Bruce, s.s., 234 tons, McFarlane, from Dunedin, via intermediate ports. . September 27 —Merope, ship, 1053 tons, Williams, from London. Passengers—Major Palmer, R.E., Lieut. Darwin, R.E., Lieut. Crawford, R.W., Rev Mr Cross, Mr and Mrs Douglass, Mr and Mrs Cunninghame, child, and nurse, Mrs Foy and family (5), Messrs Holmwood and Barrett, and 331 immigrants. , , . , September 27—Woodlark, brig, 208 tons, Mcßurney, from Sydney. Dunsford, agent. September 28—Tararua, s.s., 523 tons, J. W. Clarke, from Wellington. Dalgety and Co, agents. Passengers—Saloon—Messrs Wigley, Otterson, Bluett, McFaddon, Lawson, Mr and Mrs Wilson, Mr and Mrs Williams, 8 children, Miss Moorhousc and servant, Masters Klein (2). CLEARED. September 28 —Eastern Monarch, ship, 1706 tons, Donaldson, for San Francisco, in ballast. New Zealand Shipping Company, agents. September 28—Bee, schooner, 31 tons, for Amuri Bluff, in ballast. SAILED. September 28—Tararua, s.s., 523 tons, Clarke, for Melbourne, via Dunedin. Dalgdty, Nichols, and Co, agents. Passengers Saloon ; Coastwise : Mrs Lawrence and two children, Messrs McKay and Mr C. G. Ross. For Melbourne: Capt E. Ncavc, Messrs Harris, Margerison, and Fraser. Steerage : Coastwise; J. Cunningham. For Melbourne; Messrs C. Brodie, J. McCordy, A. McCordy, G. Carter, R. J. Russell, P. Condon, J. Morton, W. Hill, J. Taylor, S. Thomson, W. Cogan, J. Foley, T. Wagner, P. Hyland, and Freedman, and 85 original. VESSELS IN HARBOR. Steamers —s.s. Bruce. Ships Hereford, Eastern Monarch, Dorette, St Lawrence, Cathcart, Canterbury, Carisbrooke Castle, Taunton, Inverallan. Merope. , _ , Barques—Auriga, Mallard, John Knox, Planter, John Bull, Especulador, Sea Shell. Brigs—Princass Alice, Rio Loge, Woodlark, Transport. Brigantines and schooners —J. Cr. Ooleson, Cleopatra, Eliza, Mary, Maiden City, Esther Annie Brown, Nile. Schooner —Bee, E. U. Cameron, CanterCourier, Linnet, Blackwell, and Catherine. GALE AT OAMARU. The following paragraphs from the “ Otago Daily Times” of September 23rd show what a severe sea has been running at Oainaru last week:—lhe schooner United Brothers arrived yesterday mornino- having put back from Oamaru for shelte-;. Sue carries the marks of a severe dressing received at Oamaru, where she, with other vessels, was caught by the sea during Sunday night, and narrowly escaped stranding. The sea fairly breached, over the little craft, completely burying her at times, and carried away the greater part of her starboard bulwarks. A timely breeze off the land enabled her to clear the break and reach the open water outside. Then, when yesterday’s gale came on, she bore up for tins port. The brig 1 akeha also from Oamaru, came into port for shelter ycsteulay. Her escape at Oamaru was of the narrowest, for although she had two anchors down she brought them home by the run and dragged close to the beach before her stern way was happily checked by a friendly breeze from the land. One of her cables parted and she had to slip the other when she made sail. She has thus lost two anchors and ninety fathoms of chain. Whilst she was riding at Oamaru the sea broke on board her continuously, and tilled the boats and deck. Her master reports that the schooner Ellerslie, which was also in the break at Oamaru, escaped by almost a miracle, her heel being all but on the ground. There can be no question that but for the opportune slant of wind on the land, another chapter of serious accidents would nave had to have been added to the volume of mishaps in connection with Oamaru. After gaining an offing, the i’akeba dodged about under easy sail until the gale of yesterday developed itself, then she ran back here for shelter, and to replace her lost ground tackle. She succeeded in discharging part of her cargo at Oamaru. COLLISION WITH THE TIMARU BANK LIGHT-SHIP. At about 11 p m. on Saturday last, the keeper of the Timaru Rank Light-ship was aroused by a tremendous shock, and rushing out to ascertain the cause found that the light-ship had been run into by an outward topsail schooner, which he could not then recognize, but would know her again. The schooner struck the light-ship on the starboard side abreast the fore hatch, and cut right through the guard board to the hull. She disengaged immediately and, .vithout waiting to ascertain what damage bad been done, or whether the ILht-ship would float or sink, site was kept on her course, and proceeded to sea. No conversation passed between the keeper ot the light-ship and those on board the schooner; in fact, there was not time for it. Moreover, Mr Smith, of the light-ship, naturally thought that the schooner-would have been anchored in order that his position might be ascertained. But no; the schooner was kept away, and was soon lost in the gloom of the night; not even a friendly hail to the solitary old man of the light-ship being sent from her. Such conduct was not only reprehensible, it was disgracefully inhumane, and may be compared, on a small scale, to the infamous pioceedings of the wretches in the Murillo, when the Norlhfleet came to grief. We sincerely hope that the schooner will bo identified, and such punishment meted out to those in charge ot her as their behaviour on Saturday night merits, J lie light-ship was seriously damaged, but not to such an extent as to imperil her safety. That the collision was not reported before, is entirely due to the late bad weather, which lias rendered communication with the Lower Harbor exceedingly uncertain. THE ARRIVAL OF THE MEROPE. This old favorite arrived Cor the fourth time from the old conntr) yesterday i.iur.oiig under the able superintendence of Captain Williams. The health 0 beers, Drs Donald and Rouse, proceeded on board about tl a m. and soon ascertained that there was no illness in the ship, and those interested proceeded on board. The vessel is known so well that it is almost unnecessary to describe her, but we may say that she never appeared in better trim or in a greater state of cleanliness. Her skysail yards were aloft, and she certainly did not appear to have encountered much rough weather. This is her fourth trip to this port. She visited it twice under Captain Rose, and this is the second time Captain Williams lias brought her out. Her saloon contained a good many passengers, among which were the gentlemen who form the expedition for the transit of Venus in December next, and we hear they will be fully occupied till that time in getting matters ready, 'they bring vviili them a large quantity of material necessary for observing the transit. The lollowing is the account of the members and apparatus brought out by them, kindly furnished by Major Palmer, R.E., the chief astronomer The British expedition for observing the transit of Venus in Canterbury arrived in the Merope. It consists of a party comprising Major Palmer R.E., chief astronomer; Lieutenant L Darwin K.E., assistant astronomer and photographer ; and Lieutenant H. Crawford, R.N., assistant astronomer; and three non-commissioned officers of the Royal Engineers, with a large equipment of instruments, observatory and oilier apparatus, about sixty tons in all. Ibe site tor observing the transit lias not yet been selected, but is left to Major Palmer’s decision. It will probably be in the near neighborhood of Christchurch.

During the ay the ship was visited by bis Honor flic Superintendent, Mr Maude, Secretary for Public Works ; Mr March, the Immigration Officer; and a number of (hose interested in the vessel. Many tlie officers beingold friends litre, Captain Williams treated all with the most generous hospitalty, and we cannot help saying that we never visited a vessel where all spoke so unanimously in praise ot tnc captain, doctor, and all those in authority over them. The passage appears to have been a veiy happy one, although rattier too calm to suit the captain, who would have liked stronger winds and a a nicker passage. The vessel was, however, only eighty-seven days from taking her departure from tlie land to arrival, and lost a great deal ot Dm® " Bh the baffling winds she experienced during the early part of her passage, but fully sustained her reputation as one of the fastest ships afloat, by averaging 250 miles for thirty consecutive[days. The Health Officers were well satisfied with the state ot the ship, and highly approved of tlie way in which tlie S uroeon -S uperi n ton dent had managed the immigrants. In fact no one could fail to bo struck with the excellent order and method on board, and wc reiterate that a more contented set ot immigrants have never arrived here. Wc made a tour of inspection through the vessel, first visiting tlie single women’s compartment, which was sornpulo„9ly clean. There are forty-eight on board, and all nationalities arc represented, though tlie majority arc English, a great many being from Gloucester. They have most of them lived in towns, and are nearly all domestic servants, and appear very respectable, and well suited for our requirements. They speak most highly of the captain,.saying that ho did everything to promote their comfort, and praise in equal terms the surgeon-superintendent and officers, and tlie lady who acted as matron, Mrs Millard. They said that if they ever went back to England, they Imped it would be in the same ship, with the same captain and officers. They sang several hymns during tlio cltiy. Wc next visited the mru’iiod peoples’ compartment, which was also in a cleanly state, tliev are principally English, and arc a mixture of tradesmen and agricultural laborers. J bey seemed very contented and comfortable, and all said they wore pleased with their trip, ihe childien were very healthy looking, and wo were shown some of flic young Merope’s, that certainly did credit to the ship. Tim single men’s compartment was in an equally satisfactory state, and wc think we may congratulate the province on the arrivals by the Merope. The s.s. Gazelle went down to the ship with some gentlemen, and also took some fresh provisions, and the immigrants cheered heartily at seeing fresh beef once more. After viewing the vessel luncheon was partaken of, and at its conclusion tlie Rev Mr Cross, one of (lie saloon passengers, rose and said that he, on behalf of his fellow pas senders, had a duty to perform before quitting the vessel by expressing I licit - hearty thanks tor the great and constant kindness’and courtesy shown to them by the captain during the passage. He had heard it said by a person engaged in urgent business, that lie was often too busy to be civil, but Captain Williams, although overwhelmed with business, had never been too busy, he would not say to be civil, for that was a cold word, but to be sympathizing, kind, and courteous in every emergency. He and Ins fellow passengers wished the captain every prosperity in tlie future. [Cheers.] The captain, in a few kindly words, expressed Ins thanks. Wc append tlie doctor’s report, which runs as follows .^ll Left Plymouth with 331 immigrants on board consisting of 114 married couples, 79 single men, 48 single women, 76 children, and 14 infants. J 1 be voyage throughout was a most pleasant one, the immigrants behaving with tlie greatest decorum during tlie passage. The space between decks was admirably suited for immigrants, and In every compartment ample room was given, no over-crowding being experienced. The hospitals were well situated both” for convenience and ventilation, and the accommodation was quite sufficient for the requirements of tlie vessel. Tlie ventilation of tlie whole between decks was good, windsails and other apparatus being plentiful, and well applied. The water closets and water supply for cleansing them was all that could be wished for. and James Kite, the special constable, is deserving of great credit tor tlie wav in which he acted, and for attending carcfull} to the cleanliness of the different compartments, as far as lay in his province. Tlie general discipline and cleanliness of tlie ship was carried out to my entire satisfaction by the different constables appointed. The immigrants on the whole, throughout the voyage, conducted themselves in an orderly and satisfactory manner, Ihe rations were of good quality and ample, and the water supplv was also fully equal to the demand. The medical comforts were excellent in quality. During tlie voyage there wore no serious cases of illness, with one exception, that of a woman snllering from hysteric convulsions (pucrpural), and she is "now quite well. Three cases still remain under treatment, one from conjiinctivilas, one from rheumatism, and one from a severe strain. Mr Miller, mv assistant, is a professional apothecary, and afforded me great aid during tlie voyage, and deserves great praise lor the way in which lie performed ids duties, which were trying during the time wc were in tlie tropics, as he was obliged to compound and dispense medicines between decks, the daily applications lor medicine averaging twenty or thirty per diem, all suffering from slight ailments, such as constipation, colds, Ac. During tlie first fortnight much suffering was experienced through sea sickness, but I am happy to report that the immigrants are now in good health. During the passage there were six births, one premature; two deaths occurred, that of an Infant, four months old, from chronic diarrhoea,and one, twelvemonths old, from convulsions. Hie schoolmaster (Davis) at his own request, had two assistants appointed—Mrs Johnstone, for the children, and Mr Eceles, for adults, and both deserve great credit for the way in which they carried out their duties. Mrs Millard, the matron in charge of tlie single girls, performed her duties to my entire satisfaction. 1 have to tender to Captain Williams, Mr Thomas, chief officer, and tlie other officers of tlie ship, my earnest thanks for the assistance they rendered me.— R. F. Andrews, surgeon superintendent. Tlie following is tlie report taken from the official log book : —She took in her immigrants at Plymouth, on Friday, June 26th, and sailed from thence on Saturday (the following day), Experienced fine weather with light westerly winds fill she caught the N.E. trades onlheftli July, in 42.13 north. Lost them again on July Kith, and from thence had light variable winds to the Equator, which was crossed on Tuesday, July 28th. From the Equator had moderate breeze and fine weather till Monday, August 3rd, the S.E. Trades being caught in latitude 6 north, and leaving us again in latitude 26 south. On 3rd August the condenser broke down, but was repaired again in a few days. From tlie latitude of Rio Janeiro for thirty following days the ship averaged 250 miles tier diem, the best run made being on Thursday, 27tli, when 315 miles were nia Ic in twenty-four hours. On August 2sth (Friday) sighted Crozet and Possession islands, aud on file 20th experienced terrible gale from tlie N.N.E., ship laboring heavily; tlie wind continued to blow hard for the two following days—Sunday and Monday. 30th and 31st. On Sunday, the 30th. the main bulwarks on the port side were washed away. On Tuesday, Ist September, the mainsail was Mown out of the bolt ropes. On Friday, 4th, passed [through a quantity of lloe ice. Tlie Snares were sighted on Thursday, 2-lth September, and on Friday, 25th, it blew hard from tlie N.W., and the ni.iintopgallant yard was carried away. On Saturday sighted Banks' Peninsula, bearing N.W. about thirty miles. Tool; Mr Wood, the pilot, on board on Sunday morning, at 7 am , and anchored off Camp Bay at it a.m. same day. Tlie passage was a line one throughout, with the exception o( the one terrible gale experienced in which the bulwarks were lost. There were two deaths, both of infants, and six births. The following testimonial was presented by (lie immigrants on tlie arrival of tlie vessel; — “ To Edmund Williams, Esq, Captain of the ship Merope. “We, the undersigned, being emigrants on board the ship Merope, beg to return to you our sincere thanks for the courtesy yon have shown us, and the care you have taken of us during our voyage It gives us tlie greatest pleasure to testify to yoiir gentlemanly demeanour at all times, consistent with the rigidity necessary to maintain thorough discipline on board ship, especially on along voyage. “We would ask you to convoy to Dr Andrews, surgeon-superintendent, the feeling we entertain of liis worth ; ho has been most kind and attentive to all, but especially to those who, through sickness, have bad cause to wait on him. We wish him a long, happy, and prosperous life. “ Wo would wish you also to convoy to Messieurs Thomas, Bonding, and Toynbee (officers), and tiie crew, our warmest thanks and gratitude, wdio, under the inconveniences they have suffered at our hands, have been most civil and obliging. “ In bidding yon good bye, we do so with the best wishes for your future welfare. “Signed by all tlie Emigrants. “September, 1874.”