The Lyttelton Times

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 139, 3 September 1853, Page 6

The Lyttelton Times

Sept. 3rd, 1853, A most gratifying interlude to the graver proceedings for which the day was set apart, took place at one o'clock, on Wednesday last. The first vessel, bond fide built of New Zealand timber and entirely by Canterbury industry, in this port of Victoria (name of happiest augury !), was launched amid the cheers and vivas of a Jarge group of spectators, the animating strains of our improving and admirable amateur band, and the fervent good wishes for the success of the little" craft and her worthy and industrious owners. She was duly christened with all proper formula by Mrs. Grubb, the wife of the senior partner, the Caledonia, from a natural and national predilection for the country of her builders.

" Her registered burthen will be about 20 tons, with a capacity to cany about 30 bales of wool; cutter rigged and of a light draught of water. We hope to often chronicle in our shipping list her industrial career. With the large forests of timber on Banks' Peninsula —embracing woods of such varied qualities—there can be no other -reason than a dearth of labour to hinder the colonists from building many tons of shipping. It is a matter of some surprise and considerable regret that no saw-mill has yet been established, and we take the present opportunity of impressing the- necessity which exists of one being speedily erected, if we really wish to develope the resources of the Peninsula, and to profit by the great and remunerative demand which now exists for timber of all kinds in Australia. In conclusion we have to congratulate -the worthy builders of the Caledonia, Messrs. Grubb and Marshall, on the success which has attended their efforts to promote the shipping interest of the port, and we confidently look forward to a no distant day when they will be prepared to extend it by building vessels which may render their names famous amongst the shipbuilders of the Pacific. The Caledonia is an example to us all of what may be effected by honest, persevering industy, and may she prove as fortunate in her career as that which generally attends Caledonia's sons, when they are thrown upon the world and their own resources.