EARLY SHIPPING DAYS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16986, 9 March 1923, Page 6

EARLY SHIPPING DAYS.

VOYAGES FROM THE OLD COUNTRY. TALES OF THE EMIGRANT SHIPS. The romance and some of the hardships of the early shipping days of New Zealand are recalled in the series of articles now being published by the “ Star ” relating to the early shipping days. Many people are interested in the subject, as there are still many old identities with us. while thousands of citizens of the Dominion are descended from the old stock which braved the voyages in the sailers of the ’fifties, ’sixties and ’seventies. The article printed to-day consists of extracts from the early files. No. XI. v VOYAGE OF THE STEADFAST. (From the “ Lyttelton Times,” June 28, 1851). This vessel sailed from Gravesend on the evening of February 27, having been detained there one day in consequence of Captain Spencer being obliged to procure another carpenter, the ship sailing on “ temperance principles,” which it seems the carpenter shipped in the Docks did not very rigidly adhere to. Soon after noon on the 28th we were off Dover where the pilot left us, and we proceeded with a stiff breeze from the N.N.E. down the Channel. We passed Beachy Head about midnight, and Portland Bay on the morning of March 1, where we bid adieu to the shores of Old England, some amongst us doubtless with sorrowing hearts, but the bright prospects of the new colony quickly dispelled the gloom that hung over us. On the following day the poulterer (himself a true son of the Emerald Isle) went into the forehold for provisions, when he unshipped two fine specimens of the “ finest pisantry of the world ” who. it appeared, had heard such extraordinary accounts of the Canterbury Settlement that “ sure, and they wouldn’t stay at home at all at all,” and had smuggled themselves on board in order to procure a passage thereunto.

In crossing the Bay of Biscay seasickness, with all its horrors and selfishness was, of course, rife amongst us. The females especially suffered, but the Steadfast showed a clean pair of heels, and we quickly left the Bay behind us, and sea-sickness was spoken of as a thing that had been; some indeed braved the visitation. Up to the 9th we had strong, favourable winds, and we stepped along most gallantly with studding sails generally set. This day being Sunday, our chaplain (the Rev. Horace I lodgekinson) read the Morning Service, and preached upon the main deck. An inverted tub, with the Union Jack thrown over it, answered the purpose of reading desk ancj pulpit, and all the passengers, with a greater portion of

j the crew also, were present. The scene | had a peculiarly solemn effect upon the mind, which will not readily pass away, and much devotion was observable in the demeanour of those present. Daily morning and evening services was now regularly established and well attended. On the 11th we were off Madeira, distant about twenty-five miles west of it. The oranges, dates, etc., we pictured to ourselves as growing in such great abundance there made the island the object of intense interest to us; but we consoled ourselves like the fox with the grapes beyond his reach by assuring each other that fruit must be unripe and uneatable. We enjoyed the view greatly, and were probably more disposed to. enjoyment of every kind by ouf dashing along at the rate of eleven and twelve knots. On the 13th we were first becalmed, but only for a short time, as a breeze springing up from the N.E. we were again bounding over the deep blue waves, and on the 15th we were fairly within the tropics; very proud of our ship and speculating upon the probability of our having to announce the anticipated arrival of the Duke of Bronte at Lyttelton. This evening all hands were mustered on the main deck for dancing. Both cabin and steerage passengers united most cor- j dially in the amusement which prolonged until ten o’clock, when “ God Save the Queen ” and three hearty cheers for Captain Spencer was the signal for turning in. Up to the 22nd we had alternately light variable winds and calms. The evenings were remarkably fine, and were- passed by us right joyously. Singing, dancing and music were the order of the day. Our excellent captain appeared delighted with the happiness which pervaded all his passengers, and his kind manner to one and all will be long remembered by us with deep and heart-felt gratitude. Dr Gundry also (our surgeon-

superintendent), although somewhat invalided, did everything possible to promote harmony and good feeling amongst us, and usually opened our balls with one of the ladies, but whether she located in the cabin or steerage he did not appear one jot particular, provided the dance was set going. During the hot weather he had baths erected, and the demand for sea water every morning was immense. Some indulged in the shower bath, others dipped themselves or were dipped in the tubs, but either way the luxury was certainly very great, and was so fully appreciated that there were but few on board who did not avail themselves of it. The heat was at times most oppressive, and our cos-

tumes became singularly light and picturesque. yet with all we managed by some kind of diversion or other to survive it and even to enjoy ourselves highly. On the 31st we fell in with the Eugenie, from Ballys Straits, bound for Rotterdam. She heaved to and we sent off letters to our anxious friends at Home, for whose sakes it was that the Eugenie had such sincere and hearty wishes for her safe and speedy run. Soon after passing the line (which we did on April 20, in longitude 234 west) we hooked two sharks within a couple of hours of each other. One measured 101 feet, and the other upwards of 7 feet. They were unanimously condemned as hideous monsters, and the sailors did not forget their antipathy to “ sea lawyers ” in the dignity with which they treated them after being hoisted upon deck. During the afternoon we descried a strange-looking object floating very easily to leeward. A boat put off, and a large flat fish called a “squid,” about four feet long by nearly three feet broad was shipped, but not before it was broken up into several pieces, from its blubber-like consistence giving way under the hands. From April the 6th we had moderate trade winds, but somewhat variable in their duration, often ceasing altogether, when our patience was sorely tried by the horrible calms. The evenings became cooler and arrangements were made for getting up a fancy dress ball, when such stores of finery and incongruous articles were brought to light and pressed into use for the occasion that the unfortunate bachelors on board were utterly bewildered. Decidedly they saw more of the mysteries of a lady’s wardrobe than ever was dreamt of in their philosophy previously. The ladies’ fingers were forthwith actively employed with scissors, needles and thread for three

or four days, and on the 9th the ball came off. The captain very kindly had the poop covered in and decorated with flags of every colour of the rainbow. A transparency formed the central ornament, although the design was somewhat obscure, but there was no mistaking the Union Jack which floated over and around it. The revellers assembled at 7 o’clock and, where all the characters were well chosen and ably maintained, it may be invidious to attempt any individual descriptions. Dancing was kept up with great, spirit until ten o’clock, when a cold supper was served upon the poop with as much negus at heart could desire. A bowl of punch was afterwards concocted and, after drinking the healths of our noble captain and others, and not forgetting our absent friends we separated for the night, highly delighted with the evening s amusement and fully impressed with the knowledge that “ where there’s a will there’s a way ” to effect anything, even of ship board! No bad convictions for intending colonists by the way! The account of the voyage of the Steadfast will he concluded to-morrow, 1 when a list of the chief and.fore-cabin passengers will also be given.