THE MEROPE, FROM LONDON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 3524, 28 July 1879, Page 2

THE MEROPE, FROM LONDON.

Among the arrivals from England on Saturday was Messrs Shaw, Savill and Co.'a favourite vessel, the Merope, Btill under the oommand of our old friend, Captain I. Sutherland. Since the Merope's last visit, her rig has been altered, tho vessel being now barque rigged. The ohango has by no means spoilt the appeoronoe of thia fine ship, and notwithstanding the faot that her skysail masts have been ont oil, the vessel still presents her usual taut appearance. The alteration in her rig has not decreased her sailing powers ; in fact, Captain Sutherland says that she is far easier without the attor-yards. Her passage— Bs days from Qravesend, and 70 from land to land— is a very good one indeed, and -hows that barque rig Ib suitable for the vessel. On the vessel anohoring, a number of Captain Sutherland's frienda went oil to welcome him baok to Lyttelton, and all were aooorded a most hearty reception. Mr Thomas occupies his old post of chief officer, and the general appearance of the ship did him infinite oredit: while among the numerous paasengerß he has been deservedly popular. The Merope has a large pasBengerlist, comprising 26 saloon, 0 second cabin, and ijs steorage pas.engera. They oil seem to have been extremoly comfortable on board the ship, both Captain Sutherland and Mr Thomas having aa usual used every exertion to make things pleasant. The passage has been a fine weather one, the only aale met with j>eing 08 tho Snares on Wednesday. The Equator was crossed twenty -four days ont, and on the thirtieth day the vessel waß ia 23 S. Here, however, the wiad failed her, and it was not nntil three weeks later that the meridian of the Cape wasorossed. Thoro were no westerly winds until the Crozetß wp-c. passed, bo that the hopes of those on board ot m Mng, as they anticipated, a very smart passago w .. 0 not verified. The health of the passengers throughout the voyage waß good, no siokneßS of any note having occurred. Ono birth ocourred, Mrs Pentelow, a steerage passenger, being delivered of a daughter on July 13. The medioal officer was Mr P. Bider Tivy, who was exceedingly attentive to all on hoard.