The First Steamer to Australia.
An Australian paper says that the arrival at Melbourne of the P. and 0. S.N. Company's steamship Chusan on July 28, 1852, was an event ; of historical importance, as it established steam communication with England for the first time, which had been long and vexatiously delayed- The Chusan was an iron screw steamer of 720 tons. She was a beautiful model, was barquerigged, and had all the appearance of a man-of-war. She was armed with | long 32-pounder aft, 18-pbunder forward, and 12-pounder on the main deck. The steamer had the reputation of being a splendid sea boat, having run as much as 14 knots an hour under canvas only. The Chusan brought a heavy mail and' £70,000 in sovereigns. The danger of the crew, deserting in those days of the gold diggings was soon recognised, and the Collector of Customs at Melbourne hurried the discharge of cargo, and deeming it necessary to take further steps to prevent said desertion, a special armed guard was sent on board for that purpose, and remained there till the steamer left for Sydney. Afler visiting •Sydney the Chusan returned to Mel. bourne again, leaving on September 7th for Singapore via Adelaide.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/PGAMA18900916.2.16
Bibliographic details
Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 67, 16 September 1890, Page 3
Word Count
202The First Steamer to Australia. Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 1, Issue 67, 16 September 1890, Page 3
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