THE SHIP SEVILLA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3113, 12 November 1913, Page 28

THE SHIP SEVILLA.

JUBILEE OF HER ARRIVAL. A large number of the passengers who arrived in the sailing- ship Sevilla at. Port Chalmers from the Old Land in 1£62, together with their descendants, met at the Otago Early Settlers’ Hall on the 10th for the purpose of celebrating- the 51st anniversary of their arrival here. The shipmates met, during the afternoon, and wore photographed in a group, and the remainder of the day was spent in talking over various events which have occurred during the past 51 years In the evening a social was held, at which ■there was a large attendance of old and young people. Mr Leek, president of the Celebrations Committee, presided. In addressing the meeting, he said that he was very pleased to see such a large gathering there that evening. They were deeply indebted to Mr William Highet for tho very fine model of the good old ship Sevilla, and he had much pleasure in asking the chairman and members of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association to place it in their hall as a memento The vessel arrived here 51 years ago, and of her 242 passengers many had gone to their long rest, while others were beginning to feel the burden of years, and were unable to be present; but they were very pleased to have 29 with them. And it spoke volumes for their enthusiasm that they had some of their number from Invercargill, Waikaka, Owaka, Lawrence, Milton, Hyde, Middlcmarch, Port Chalmers, as well as from Dunedin and surrounding districts. They also had letters from passengers residing in Auckland, Wellington, Timaru, and Onmaru. He was pleased to see Mr Donald Reid (president of the Otago Early Settlers’ Association) and also Mr John Mill (president of the Port Chalmers Old Identities’ Association) present. Referring to the voyage from the Old Country, the speaker said the ship left Gourock on August 1, 1862, and experienced favourable weather until some time in September and October, when heavy gales were experienced, which carried away the crossjack yard, round house, poop ladder, and filled the ’tween decks with water. He remembered the gales. A very heavy sea struck the ship, and it was some little time before she righted herself again, the passengers’ boxes and utensils being scattered over their quarters On another occasion, in his position as assistant purser, he was giving out the water to each mess one afternoon on the deck, when a sea came over the side of the ship and knocked him down and bruised his head. A cabin lady passenger (Mrs Gregg) noticed the accident, and kindly sent her maid with bandages. When off Stewart Island the vessel was detained for 12 hours through a dense fog being encountered. The snip brought a large general cargo and 242 passengers. In conclusion, he hoped they would enjoy a pleasant evening, and he thanked the passengers for placing him in the honourable position of chairman on this auspicious occasion, it being more important than being chairman of the socials aboard tho ship. Mr Campbell of Invercargill, also addressed the gathering. A number of songs and recitations w-ere contributed during the evening, after which dancing was indulged in until 1 a.m., When the gathering dispersed, all having had a most enjoyable time.