ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF SPARTA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1504, 11 September 1880, Page 15

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF SPARTA.

The ship City of Sparta, one of Messrs Smith and Co.'s "City Line," arrived off Otago Heads at 10.30 p.m. on September 4th, and was towed into port in the afternoon of the sth inst., coming through the north channel at 2 p.m., and anchored in the Powder ground. The City of Sparta, like the others of her sister ships which have from time to time visited us, is a smart-looking iron vessel of fine proportions, and brings some 2200 tons of cargo, of which about half is composed of measurement goods and the rest dead weight. Amongst the heavy cargo is one of Priestman's patent dredges for the Otago Harbour Board, and an organ and peal of bells for the Episcopalian Church of St. Matthew in Dunedin. She also brings about 20 tons of gunpowder, stowed in a properly - constructed magazine; and, in addition to this, has about a ton of acids stowed on deck. Her passage from anchor to anchor has occupied 87 days, and from land to land 84 days. She brings 40 passengers, all of whom have enjoyed excellent health throughout the voyage, and who have testified to the satisfactory manner in which Captain Watson has treated them by presenting him with a very complimentary testimonial. On the ship reaching the Powder-ground she was met by the Customs authorities, and satisfactory replies having been given in response to the usual questions as to the sanitary condition of all on board, she was promptly cleared in.