THE SHIP THE DOUGLAS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4246, 29 October 1874, Page 2

THE SHIP THE DOUGLAS.

The Douglas, one of the finest of the magnificent fleet of vessels trading between this port and London, was hauled alongside the wharf yesterday morning. During her detention at the Somes Island quarantine station, the vessel has been cleared of all incumbrances in the shape of passengers' fittings, &c, the removal of which exposed those features in build which make The Douglas superior to all other vessels trading to the port as a passenger carrying - ship. Everything on board was clean and fresh as when she came into port last year, when her appearance elicited such deserved comment and such warm admiration. The roominess and extent of her 'tween decks, which form a magnificent sweep, excite some wonder as to the cause of the sickness which prevailed amongst the children during the passage out, but a visit to the ship will dissipate any doubt as to the cause. The passengers cannot have suffered from want of room or insufficient ventilation, as the ship is a model in both respects. It is evident that the germs of sickness must have been brought on board, where it would undoubtedly have developed into a greater mortality but for the exceptional accommodation of the vessel, and the attention of Captain Wilson and the doctor. The condenser, which has been made more powerful since The Douglas was last here, worked admirably throughout the voyage, so well indeed that she arrived in port with sufficient water to take her back. The passengers themselves were kept in the best of spirits during ths voyage, at the conclusion of which Captain Wilson was presented with testimonials emanating from all classes on board.

The following were the testimonials presented to Captain Wilson, at the close of his late voyage : The Douglas, 16th October, 1874 We, the undersigned passengers, desire before quitting the good ship The Douglas to thank you very heartily for the great consideration you have invariably shown, and the unremitting attention you have given—at no small sacrifice of personal comfort—to the sailing of this ship. We desire, also, to thank your officers for the able manner in which they have seconded you. In conclusion, we wish you and yours every blessing and success in life. Signed by 75 passengers. To Captain Wilson. The Douglas, 15th October, 1874. In sight of New Zealand. We, the undersigned single men, appreciating to its fullest extent the kindness, sympathy, and attention of Captain Wilson, hereby tender him our heartiest thanks, and our sincerest wishes for his future safety and welfare. We shall always with gratitude remember him and the voyage we have made in his ship, and we trust that both he and his family may enjoy long life and prosperity. That Heaven may grant them a safe return to their native land is the wish of yours sincerely. Signed by 71 passengers. To Captain Wilson. The Douglas. Sir—We, the single female portion of th passengers by your good ship The Douglas, take it as our duty before leaving to thank you for your kindness shown to us and for the careful attention you have paid to our comfort, and while wishing you and your good wife a happy and prosperous career beg to remind you that many pleasant recollections of The Douglas and her skipper will be carried by them to their new adopted homes. Signed by 62 passengers. To Captain Wilson. . ...