THE NEBRASKA AT MELBOURNE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3316, 11 October 1871, Page 2

THE NEBRASKA AT MELBOURNE.

The presence of the large side-wheel steamer Nebraska, of the Pacific Mail line, was by no means ignored during her brief stay in Hobson's Bay. Up to the time of her casting off from the pier, she was like a human hire with the crowds pouring in and out of her and Bwarnnng all over ; and when she steamed away, tbe concourse of people on She railway pier was something considerable. Prior to lier departure a very large company of gentlemen, representing the commercial and marine interests of the port, and also Beveral members of Parliament and others, assembled on board and partook of luncheon, which was serred in truly excellent style. Shortly after the time announced for her departure this " stranger" steamer, of immense proportions and singular construction, moved swiftly away at the instigation of her powerful beam engines, and headed for Queenscliff at a surprising rate. She took several passengers, and a quantity of cargo, and also a small mail. At the luncheon, in reply to the coast of his health, Captain Harding said — I am happy to meet you citizens of this prosperous community hero to-day. This ship has been sent in the hope of opening up a commerce between San Francisco and the chief cities of Australia. This ship may be new to you gentlemen here, but she is an old affair to us. It is not an old ship, however, but an old style, we have here. I myself have had ten years' experience in Bhips of this style. I have been thorn in all weathers, and I know what they will do. The Nebraska is essentially an American steamship, and one of a successful class. This efcyle is the Btyle of American steamships, and is the one which we have adopted after twenty years' experience in the carrying of pnsaengers. We run the same ships in the China waters. I have been in the China trade, and I would not ask for a better ship in the worst of weather. I find that a gMat many people who have seen this style of ship for the first time ask whether they roll badly— whether it is possible that they could stand the tempestuous weather of the Atlantic ? These are the best ships for tempestuous weather. We build our ship 3 with the idea of keeping them bb much above water as possible. (Laughter and cheers.) A very good idea. (Cheers ) We build our vessels so that the sea Bliall sever break over the top of them ; when the sea strikes them heavily they give to it, and are not washed like a half-tide rock. (Captain Harding concluded amid loud cheers.)