1873

Via Melbourne (22 Jan). The ColungwoodIs as pretty a ship as could be desired. She appeared on Thursday at dawn, and a breeze blew hard from the southward as she neared the stations. When she rounded to and anchored the fine lines and symmetrical proportions of her hull were apparent. She is of iron, and is on her first voyage since she quitted the builder's yard, but unfortunately upon the outward passage she lost some spars, which so far crippled her that she was late in arriving at Melbourne. The master suffered so severely from mental aberration as to lose his command in Victoria, and the appointment was conferred on Captain Ross, whose long experience as chief officer eminently fitted him for the post. Iron ships generally have a stereotyped aspect which is handsome, but leaves little room for description. Throughout her equipment the finish bestowed upon this ship is delicate. At 'a short distance it is difficult to realize that she is of 1,000 tons register, but on boarding the craft a better notion of her size may be gained, as a gi-eat breadth of beam is shown, and her taunt roars tower aloft. The mainmast was completely fitted in Victoria, and the master expresses satisfaction with the way the rolling topgallantsails have been turned out. The cabins are well appointed, all the essentials necessary in a sea voyage to render life pleasant being there. The decorations are extremely neat and elegant, the whole being finished in maple and teak, with gilt mouldings and carved pilasters. The officers are well provided for in spacious state rooms before the saloon, and a view of the vessel will amply repay those persons who can appreciate the improvements which have been made in naval architecture. She has been selected for Messrs. Duffield and Co. to carry wheat, and will prove equal to the task; Register 31/1/1873 Cleared out (5 Mar) for London.