EARLY SHIPPING DAYS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16987, 10 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. THE STEADFAST.

NARRATIVE OF THE VOYAGE (CONTINUED). On April 13th we escaped from the tropics, and. as we heartily trusted, from the calm, and looked forward hopeful of some cooler breezes. We passed the Cape on May 2. at a hundred and sixty-five miles south, off which our desire for a cool breeze was gratified with a vengeance. A very severe gale set in from the N.E. with the current against us, which caused the sea to rise mountains high, literally such, and truly it was sublime, although a terrific sight for a landsman to behold Our vessel rode along like a duck, and scudded before the wind under double reefed top-sails. Some heavy seas struck us and caused her to tremble again fore and aft, whilst many a pretty involuntary scream emanated from the women, who thought we were going forthwith to “ Davy Jones's Locker.” A glorious war took place among the steward’s crockery, and for the first time in our lives we saw that portion of the nursery rhyme actually come to pass, which states that “ the dish ran after the spoon,” for no sooner were the plates and dishes set upon the table than they (spoons and all) started instanter and ” took ” (in sporting phraseology) the guards set across the table for their preservation, in gallant style; no thoroughbred steeplechasers could have cleared them better. We were only too thankful to be able to secure some food in picnic fashion seated upon the deck. The gale itself lasted about twelve hours, but it was a day and a half before we had much more canvas out. On the 6th May the number of our passengers was increased by a little lady, who made her appearance one fine afternoon and was baptised by the doctor a week or two afterwards by the name of Elizabeth Steadfast. Our passage_ from the Cape was made express; indeed, we had a gale blowing nearly the whole time from S.W. to N.W. One day we accomplished 285 miles, and 260, 240 and 220 miles on three consecutive days. Indeed, 200 miles we deemed an ordinary day’s work. We were abreast of Van Dieman’s Land on June 1, at about 85 miles south, and on the 7th at 3 p.m., we made Knight’s Island, and the cry of “ land ahead ” gave palpable evidence that none of us were asleep. All hands on deck in a few seconds, and a person must be at sea for some three or four months ere they can fully understand the delight with which the Snares were hailed. More canvas was shaken out, and the captain directed his course to due E. to avoid “ the Traps ” and Stewart’s Island. Clear of these our course was almost due N., and at the Bth, at 10 a.m., we descried Banks’s Peninsula looming in the distance. We stood directly for it, and our run up the eastern coast of “ Tavai Poenammoo ” was made in a manner the Steadfast only could accomplish. Daylight waned but the moon, which shone out most gloriously to welcome us, as it were, to our new homes, gave us a delightful view of the coast, and in a measure compensated for a more, dis- | tinct view we should have had by dayi light In truth it was a magnificent and j lovely night; and, had we not been colonists, we might probably have persuaded ourselves that we were intensely romantic. At midnight we cast anchor of the mouth of Victoria Harbour, and the next morning worked our way up abreast of Lyttelton, where we learnt that the Duke of Bronte had cast anchor forty-eight hours before us. Our voyage was made in 101 days, reckoning from the day we weighed anchor off Gravesend to casting it again in Victoria Harbour, and we flatter ourselves that our passage has been the most rapid of an} r vessel chartered by the Canterbury Association. The treat “ Old Boreas ” condescended to favour us with the night after our arrival was regarded by the passengers with ■ about as much indifference as it was-

by the Steadfast herself. True her { anchor came home with 75 fathoms of ; cable, but a second anchor with 45 i fathoms of cable made her as worthy of her name in being stationary as she has proved herself in going ahead. List of chief and fore-cabin passengers on board the Steadfast: Captain Muter. Mr Luck. Mr Bowler, junr. (for Wellington). Mrs Dysant. Mr Griffiths. Mr Francis. Mr D’Ovly. Mr Commins. Mr and Mrs Fooks. Mr Paris. Rev. H. Hodgkinson, chaplain. Mr J. S. Gundry, surgeon-superin-tendent, and Mrs Gundry. Mr Matson. Mr Rawbone.

Mr Drury. Mr Tippets. Mr Silk. Mr Heywood. Mr Bamford, schoolmaster. Master John A. S. Bamford. Master 11. A. Bamford. Mr Stone. Mr and Mrs Packard and two children. Mr Henry Clarkson. Mr William Clarkson. Mr Charles Clarkson. Mr arid Mrs Samuel Gundry and five children. Mrs Craig (for Wellington). The following testimonials were presented to the captain of the. vessel; — On board the Steadfast, June 7, 1851. We, the cabin and intermediate passengers by the ship Steadfast, from London to New Zealand, unite to offer

our most hearty thanks to Captain Spencer. We wish to convey to him in terms as strong as possible our sense of his untiring patience, great kindness, and all the other qualities which so eminently fit him for the command of an emigrant ship. At the same time that every indulgence consistent with the safety of the ship has been allowed ) us, its discipline has been very strictly maintained, and though every latitude has been given to individuals, none have been permitted to become annoying to the rest. While we thank Captain Spencer for the trouble he has taken we admire the tact and ability he has thus shewn. We congratulate him on this quick and prosperous voyage which, by the blessing of Divine Providence, has been without

sickness or death. Captain Spencer has been well supported in his efforts to smooth all difficulties by the chief officer, Mr Murray, and w-e beg him to convey to this gentleman our best thanks. With a fervent prayer for the success of the good ship and her crew, we leave the Steadfast and we repeat in the words of one of her passengers: Success to the Steadfast, Success to the crew ; May she sail many 3‘ears, Safely and true. May her commander, long Live to enjoy, The fruits of his labours In Neptune’s employ. (Signed by all the chief cabin and intermediate passengers). Ship Steadfast, June 8, 1851. Thomas Spencer, Esq., Sir, —We, the undersigned steerage passengers (for ourselves and families), beg to return to you our sincere thanks for the kindness and attention you have shown towards us upon all occasions during the passage from England to New Zealand. Wishing you a prosperous voyage in returning to England, and that success and happiness may attend you through life,—We remain, yours very respectfully. (Signed by all steerage passengers).