Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Michael D. Goddard - "The Petrel Papers: A journal issued on board the ship 'Parramatta' during the voyage from London to Sydney 1882-3", along with additional pages concerning an earlier voyage, 1881-1882
MLMSS 7137

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The Petrel Papers

A journal issued on board The Ship "Parramatta” during the voyage from London to Sydney 1882 – 3

The Petrel Papers

No 1 Saturday, November 4 1882

A thousand miles from land are we
Sailing about on the bright blue sea
A long way after
Barry Cornwall

Very naturally persons at sea (as in our case we may say in more senses than one) are apt to think of the denizens of the "Vasty deep” or its surroundings, when in quest of a name for a journal as we propose to issue to the inhabitants of the Parramatta ship during her journey to Sydney. Under the banner we hoist at our mast head, we hope, during the few weeks that our lives are cast so intimately into association with each other, no storms may arise, either in the cabins, on the poop or main decks, or on the vast ocean surrounding us, and thus that one of the synonymous names of the "Thallau[?] Marina” and its old fashioned warning may not be realised or follow our approach
"For the mariner curseth the warning bird
who bringeth him news of the storm unheard”
as we have no wish in any way or sense to be considered a "Stormy Petrel”.

We trust that the interest of all concerned in the success of this journal is sufficient to lead us to assume with confidence that

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contributors to all its pages will incessantly flow between the editors bag and all other parts of the ship, that throughout the voyage there will be no lack of the necessary "copy” to keep the office boys going. We commend our first number to the favourable and kindly criticism of our readers especially do we ask for kindly forbearance with an essay which will manifest much of the ‘prentice hand, knowing as we do fully and too well its many shortcomings and imperfections.

The interest with which this journal will be produced by those to whom you have confided its compilation is that it may both instruct and amuse all concerned; to this end we shall be delighted to receive anything in the shape of contributions in M.S. of an original character referring to any part of the world; for, as the "Mother Carey’s Chicken” is found distributed throughout the seas of the whole known World; so we may have the presumption to offer a maternal greeting to the literary, scientific, philosophic, mechanical, humorous or other items of information sent to us; at the same time reserving to ourselves the maternal privilege of scrutinising very closely the eggs laid by the chickens and offered for your delectation.

A characteristic with which the Petrel is credited being that it is never known to rest, even on the water; but it would be unfair not to add a curious incident bearing upon this which has come within our knowledge. During a recent voyage of this ship our friend Mr Shardlow and Mr Logan saw some numbers of the petrel tribe sitting on the[?] water and floating like other [page torn]

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CORRESPONDENCE

The following correspondence having taken place recently between Miss Moulton, and Mr Shardlow, the Chief Officer, it has been handed to us for publication.

Mr Shardlow, I’m not in fun
But mind you this order must be done.
The yellowish red box in hold
With the iron bands so big and bold,
Must forthwith arise without delay
From your old dingy dark hatchway.

"Not wanted on voyage” – thereon you’ll find,
Or some such words, unless you’re blind;
Leave rats and mice together to play,
My box must ascend this very day.

No hat have I to wear in the Sun
While you delay and think me in fun,
I warmly clothed the heat must bear
While dresses cool are lying there,
Which I should be so glad to wear
In these hot days so calm and fair.

The yellow box too of smaller size,
Nearer the top I think it lies,
Would in my cabin give me pleasure

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When standing by my other treasure;
But if much trouble this should give,
I could without this yellow box live.

Now as to "Brownie” let me say,
I will not pass another day
Unless within my cabin small
You place that box against the wall,
Between the two make no mistake
For if you do my heart will break.

Now Sir, look sharp, or else you’ll find
I can be otherwise than kind;
But if into that dismal hold
You go with steps so true and bold,
No recompense I deem too good
for me who has those rats withstood;
And better still, my wants supplied,
No wish of yours shall be denied.
This last appeal not made in vain,
I’ll never trouble you again;
But let you live a life of rest
Without my box upon your chest.

No 13 Salon Cabin
21st October, 1882

M. K. Moulton

Many thanks, my dear little lady
For the order so nicely expressed,
But as I told you the other morning
When you were at home and not dressed.

That box of colour called Brown
Which by the way is a colour called common

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So colourless by the distance its down
In fact it’s right down at the bottom.

Now to ease your dear little mind
The mate and three of his Jacks
Will endeavour this day to find
It, in spite of the heat and poor backs.

Now here’s to the end of my sonnet
As to your offer – Well here to my fate
I really should like your best bonnet
And remain,
Ever Your’s
The Chief Mate

Parramatta, October 23rd 1882

We beg to state that we cannot hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents. (Ed)

Charade

My first is what cockney folks call a young maid;
My second’s an article - a
My third is an a herb most important in trade,
And esteemed on the family tray;
My whole is a creature of classic renown;
And though often seen without stockings or gown,
It’s innocent face was ne’er crimsoned with shame
In prose or rhyme pleased to tell us its name.
J.R.H.
Replies to be sent to the Editor not later then 8th Nov.

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Chairs

The heading of this article may at first sight may appear to be frivolous and mild in the extreme; but to the eye of an old Chum who has sailed across the "herring pond” more than once, the simple word chair conjures up at once immeasurable visions of the past either pleasurable or otherwise as his memory carries him to thoughts of other voyages

There are as we know various kinds of chairs; the Sedan chair of our great Grandfathers, the chair of State, the chair which we all remember having sat in as a baby, that high treacherous edifice which served to elevate us at the table to a level with our Father and Mother and elder brothers or sisters, which constantly overset or divided in the middle just as we thought we had climbed to the summit of our ambition, there is also the chair of the Local Government or School Board to the occupation of which at some future period of his life the average English Townsman generally aspires. In fact there are many kinds of chairs, but the especial chair to which at present I wish to draw to your attention is the "Sedile Navalis” or the "Nautical Chair” the chief feature of the impedimenta of an outward or homeward bound passenger on a long voyage. My attention to this momentous subject is a fitting article for the "Petrel Papers was drawn into this channel on seeing a heap of chairs after washing the decks last Saturday. There are several varieties of the "Chair Nautical” but for convenience I will dived them into two chief species the

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comfortable, and the uncomfortable. At the head of the former class I will place that large , commodious lounging place constructed of bamboo and cane in which the owner can be at full length, the head just raised to the proper level, the lower extremities luxuriously stretched out before him with room enough to enable him to change their position should they become cramped by long continuance in one position. On one side of this chair of luxury is a square receptacle in which may be placed a book, pipe & tobacco, or if the owner be one of the gentler sex the needlework with which she may happen for the time to be too tired or indisposed to work upon. On the other side is a circular hole in which the Sybarite, for he must be a Sybarite to be owner of this chair, may place his glass of Brandy Pawnee or Shandy Gaff during the intervals of his libations. The owner of this chair is indeed to be envied and immediately takes up a superior position amongst his fellow passengers. For the first week of the voyage he feels that he fully enjoys the society of his chair to himself; but finds as the days wear on that that familiarity which breeds contempt amongst his companions is gradually isolating him from the object of his love. The first intimation of this change occurs some morning, as after breakfast, he ascends the Companion, his favourite novel or poet under his arm, intending to slide away some of the tedium of a long voyage. As he gradually nears the usual position of his chair the suspicion dawns on him that it is already occupied.

The fair Mrs Lubra, widow of a recently defunct member of the New South Wales Legislature is seen

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in possession of his property surrounded by her numerous progeny. She had just come on deck from the childrens breakfast, and finding so desirable a location unoccupied had made herself master of the situation. Our Sybarite wanders vaguely and apparently aimlessly around his property for a time; which elicits in due course from the fair Mrs Lubra the simple question "Oh Mr S, am I in your chair?” and continues in the most innocent tone "Oh do take it please”, I am so sorry. Our friend of course denies the simple imputation that he is seeking his chair "Oh no! I do not want it, pray sit still” and presently betakes himself to the miseries of a skylight grating, the discomforts of which in a short time send him wandering again inwardly vowing that he would not be done that out of his happy lounging ground in this manner in future. His vow however is destined to be only shortlived. The same afternoon after the exertion of a quoits he make his way one more to his favourite, intending to enjoy a pipe and a "peg”, after his work. Alas! the best laid plans of men and mice go oft agee. Our friend find to his chagrin that the chair is in the possession of the Right Honourable Wallaby Track, the youngest son of an ex colonial Governor who is on his way pot expecting to reap some of the laurels which he fancies has been sown for him by his Sire; but which alas! for him poor fellow soon prove to be a delusion and a snare. Our young friend unlike Mrs Lubra takes no notice of our Sybarite who after a minutes wistful wistful look betakes himself to the nearest vacant seat. He has not been long seated however when the fair owner of the chair in which he has taken his position comes up and says "I think you are sitting on my work”; - The Sybarite at once

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rises but no work is to be seen, this however does not matter, the ruse has been effective, and our friend is one more a helpless wanderer on the deck. We have said that the owner of this Kind of chair has been envied but by the end of the voyage he finds that it is a sad mistake to be the possessor of a desirable chair.

There are several other specimens of the order of Chair "Nautical” class "comfortable” to which I should like to draw the attention of your readers but I am fearful I have trespassed too much on your space Mr Editor. I hope however with your permission to continue the subject in an issue of your journal.
To be continued
Viator Secundus

The intended Bazaar during the voyage

On October 17th the Captain gathered together in the Saloon, the lady passengers, the chaplain & the Doctor and took them into his confidence anent a Bazaar which it is usual to hold during the voyage in aid of the funds of the charities for seamen and their families of the Merchant Marine. Everyone was eager to work in so admirable a work. Mrs Bennett Mrs Cunningham, Mrs Maffey, and Mrs Shardlow were appointed as a Committee to make the necessary arrangements, and will most gratefully receive all contributions. It is expected the Bazaar will take place about the end of the present month; and we cannot to strongly urge the claims of these grand benevolent institutions, and we call upon the Passengers, Officers and Crew to vie with each other in outdoing the efforts in this direction ever made upon any previous voyage.
(Ed P P)

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Entertainments

The first entertainment after commencing the voyage took place on Friday evening October 13th and consisted of music, singing and readings, Dr Maffey in the absence of Captain Goddard took the chair.

The second entertainment was given in the Saloon on the evening of Wednesday October 18th the chief feature of which was four table aux vivants, these being interspersed with vocal and instrumental music. The Tableaux were sustained by the gentlemen and ladies of the passengers each having adopted some nom de plume. The first representation was that of the classic story of Pygmalion and his statue Galatea;- the characters being bourne respectively by "The only Nipper”(Mr Pinches) and Miss "Funny Smasher” (Miss F Beattie). The curtain rose on Pygmalion in the act of invoking the Gods to endow his handiwork with life. On the curtain rising the second time the statue was seen in the act of shewing that the prayer had been answered. Next followed a scene from Sir Walter Scotts novel "The Fair Maid of Perth” the kiss of St Valentine’s day the characters in this being delineated by Miss Smasher (Miss Beattie) ‘The Fair Maid’ and Mr Sawbones (Dr Maffey) ‘Harry o’ the Wynd’ On the curtain first rising Catherine is in the act of imprinting the kiss on the sleeping Armourer. On the second rising of the curtain, Harry has been aroused by the kiss and is endeavouring to obtain a return kiss; it is to be regretted that the actual struggle in this scene converted

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the picture into a piece of acting.

Next an effective view of a "Raft from a Wreck” was put upon the stage – the characters being taken by Mrs Sly Bacon (Mrs Cunningham) and Messrs Sawbones (Dr Maffey) The only Nipper (Mr Pinches) Deadly Nightshade (Mr Atkins) and Queer Fish (Mr Olding). The accessories in this tableaux were admirable and it was undoubtedly the strong piece of the evening. In the centre was the figure of an exhausted man (Mr Olding) into whose mouth one of his companions (Dr Maffey) was pouring something from a black bottle;- in the foreground a man (Mr Atkins) in the garb of a sailor was sitting looking the picture of dogged despair a short pipe in his mouth, his elbows upon his knees, supporting his face between his hands; another sailor is on the lookout, and at one end of the raft a woman (Mrs Cunningham) is seated a child clinging to her breast;- a spar was rigged with a piece of canvass as a sail and at the top of the spar was hoisted a signal of distress. A life buoy barrel and some pannikins completed the picture.

This was followed by a view of Gypsy Camp life, and was thus presented, in the centre in a reclining position was the Gypsy Queen (Miss Beattie) seemingly asleep, she rouses up shortly and sings to a man (Mr Olding) who is standing upon her right, "I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls”. Standing behind the first was another whittling a stick; in the foreground, to the right of the stage, is a fire with a tripod over it supporting a cauldron in which a girl (Mabel Maffey) was stirring the ingredients of some culinary preparation. On the left of the

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stage is seen a woman (Mrs Cunningham) and a man (Dr Maffey) playing cards, whilst in the background on this side (left) is a tent in the entrance of which a boy (Reggie Maffey) stands. This is the only case in which a departure was made intentionally from the idea of a picture in which every figure should be motionless, and the variation proved an entire success. In all the scenes the dresses were most effective, especially was this so in Pygmalion and Galetea. All the arrangements must have considerably taxed the resources and ingenuity of all concerned – in the last tableaux the costumes were remarkably good and strikingly picturesque; this was most prominently brought out by the dresses of the two ladies in whom a most thorough transformation had been produced – One making a most resplendent Queen and the other naturally fair proving a charming brunette. It is to be wondered with the limited resources of the ship and no previous intimation that such dresses might be required, how so telling effects could be arrived at. After the last scene on a call for the performers they appeared in a semicircle and joined the audience in singing "The National Anthem”. The Misses Churchward, Cockerill, Edmeads, and Moulton, with the Rev. E.J. Spencer and Mr Seville added much to the enjoyment of a most pleasant evening by contributing the musical part of the programme. Mr Spencer also explaining, so far as was necessary the tableaux, prior to their production,

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Ships Report

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October. Lisbon, bound North, - asked to be reported.
20th Spoke ship LKGF from Liverpool to Bombay, 13 days out.
22nd Passed Tyburnia from London to Shanghai 20 days out.
35th Spoke German ship RDEG from Cardiff to Hong Kong 20 days out.
26th Sighted the island of San Antonio
November 1st Boarded iron barque Mary Blundell from Valparaiso to Liverpool; sent some letters home by her.

Dear Sir
The above is the daily run of the ship since leaving Plymouth with other particulars, and I hope sincerely we may like the title of your papers be ever on the move.
Faithfully yours
Frank J. Shardlow Chief Offcr
To the Editor of the Petrel Papers
        

Boarding the Mary Blundell

1882
November 1st.
Early this morning every one was on the qui vive as we were reported to have a homeward bound vessel in sight. Notice was given that the mail would close about 10.am and all having letters for home were eager in getting them ready for dispatch. About 10.30 am a boat was lowered with four of the crew, into this boat stepped Mr Shardlow and took command, accompanying him being Mr Atkins Mr D’Arcy Goddard, Mr Pinches and Dr Maffey having a four mile pull before them under a blazing

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sun. As we pulled away from the Parramatta she presented a magnificent spectacle and one which we wish every passenger on board the ship could have beheld. Her form was splendid as she rode upon the water; one thing that struck the beholder was the great rise and fall of the immense ship as she moved along. Soon after we got away from the ship Mr Atkins took the bow oar and pulled the rest of the way. The boat let in a fair quantity of water which Mr Goddard, Mr Pinches, and the Dr bailed out. When about half way between the two ships we came across a belt of what appeared to be fungoid growth floating on the surface of the water, this on closer examination proved to be a button like substance fringed with a disproportionately long blue beard – it varied in size from a pins head to a shilling. There was so much of this that that the belt seemed as if the "Milky Way” had been dropped into the ocean and very probably had it been night time would have been quite as brilliant with phosphorescence. This was I suppose the spawn or early stage of some kind of jelly fish. About this time we noticed that the British Ensign was flying at the stern of the vessel we were approaching, this was received with a shout in all joined. On nearing her we made out the ship’s name to be "Mary Blundell” and from such a well Lancashire name the Doctor at once gave his opinion that she would prove a Liverpool ship. We were soon on board and received a cordial welcome from Captain Hoare he was 80 days out of Valparaiso carrying grain to Liverpool, they had had very bad weather

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round Cape Horn and were 14 days from the line. We handed the mail bag together with a bundle of newspapers and illustrated periodicals to the Captain and after a stay of about 10 or 15 minutes bid him adieu mutually wishing each other a pleasant time for the remainder of the voyage. The Captain told us that he was a life long total abstainer and that his two brothers who are in command of steamers are so likewise – he certainly is a jolly specimen of a water drinker, tall & too stout to be pleasant in the temperature were are in at present, the ship was an iron barque beautifully clean, and fitted with handsome polished teak fittings. We were soon back at Parramatta she having followed the course of which we had taken and we had short of a mile to pull back; on stepping on board again on our return of course all were eager to learn what had transpired during our visit which must be the excuse for why it is intruded into this issue of the P.p. rather out of its due place.
(Ed. PP)

                   
Notices to Correspondents.

Communications have been received from Messers Bowler, Ethel, Houlding, Michael, Read, "Sam Smash”, Shardlow & xyz, and Miss Moulton whose pardon we crave for placing her name last instead of first.

Replies to Correspondents
Messers Bowler, Ethel, & Sam Smash crowded out or reserved for consideration.
X.Y.Z. We cannot undertake to insert anonymous contributions.

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To all our correspondents we would return our thanks, at the same time remarking that "the merciful man is merciful to his beast”.
Verbum Satis Sapienti
(Ed "P.P”)
                      

Published on board the Parramatta this 4th day of November 1882 on the broad Atlantic. Lat. 4°N Long 26°W or thereabouts.
                      
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The Petrel Papers

No.2. Saturday, November 11, 1882.

We thought good last week to briefly draw attention to the Bazaar proposed to be held during the present voyage; and will now do so more fully. "Nothing succeeds like success”, is a hackneyed but at the same time, a very trite saying. We know numbers of people who prim a faciae object to bazaars but often, as a legitimate means to accomplish a much to be desired end are constrained to acknowledge that as a mode of extracting money or work from certain persons whose sympathy and help would never be obtained by any other manner they are amongst the best, if not the very best method that can be adopted. This same holds good with the objection which comes to the fore front as to the employment of lotteries or raffles, for the getting rid of the goods otherwise difficult of sale, during a Fancy fair. There are lotteries and lotteries, and to say that a person at a Bazaar in aid of a Charity, who puts money into as raffle does so in a gambling spirit, is in nine cases out of every ten a proposition which it would not require the aid of our old friend Euclid to demonstrate as "reductio ad absurdum”. Most people who enter for their share of in a contest of this kind have no idea of gambling; but do so simply with the object in view of helping on the good work for which the sale is being held, caring very little whether

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they win or not, perhaps feeling pleased if they gain the prize, but not infrequently speaking as from our own experience, getting an article which would be the verriest "White Elephant” making its winner only too pleased to hand it back to the bazaars managers for disposal at their discretion – for the sake of example fancy a confirmed old bachelor winning an elaborately fitted up bassinette – or any equally confirmed old maid thus obtaining a handsome meerschaum pipe. We know another class of people who will never go near a bazaar; or contribute to the funds of a charity through any such channel; but they willingly help any such deserving object by a subscription directly to its funds, in accordance with their means and inclination; should therefore any of a readers be of this frame of mind it will afford us pleasure to hand his or her contribution over to the object directed, - and we would impress upon them the Latin proverb, "Bis dat qui cito dat.”

With reference to the especial funds to be benefited by this bazaar, we have already expressed a hope that it may prove the most successful of the series held under the auspices of our worthy commander. The bazaar for which we are now preparing will be the thirty third of this series held during the past sixteen years – Fourteen of which were held at sea and two in Sydney harbour on board the "La Hogue” fifteen held at sea and on in Sydney harbour on board the "Parramatta”. The sum realised at sea by the twenty nine Bazaars has been £1138, whilst the three in Sydney harbour have produced £658 making a grand total of £1796. The largest sum ever netted on one occasion at sea was during the outward voyage in November of last year; viz: £55.

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We commend the present effort again to the warmest consideration of our readers.

Such noble charities as "The Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamens Institute” "The Merchant Seamen’s Orphan Asylum” and "The Seamens hospital Greenwich, (late the Dreadnaught) need no commendation at our hands, Captain Goddard has been the means of contributing a munificent sum their funds, we can do no better work than strengthen his hands.

Fire! by I.R.H.

The good ship Harmony was sailing along one moonlight evening, with a North East trade wind. Most of her passengers were singing or chatting pleasantly in little social groups on her poop or main decks, when suddenly loud cries of fire! were heard, and smoke began to ascend through the saloon skylight. The Captain and officers rushed below; but their efforts to extinguish the fire were vain, it spread with resistless fury, being fed by the light wood work of the state rooms. With all possible speed the boats were launched and the passengers and the crew got into them much concerned no doubt, at having to leave all they possessed on board the burning ship, for the boats were not able to carry any personal luggage. Fortunately the weather was fine and the ship-wrecked crew safely landed on one of the Cape de Verd Islands.

The official enquiry which was soon after held failed to discover the cause of the fire and it remained a mystery to all but one passenger who

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before he died, confessed that on the evening of the disaster he had been smoking on the poop and had thoughtlessly thrown away the burning end of his cigar to windward. He had no doubt that the fire brand had been blown through one of the open ports of a saloon cabin, and falling on something inflammable – perhaps on a bed – had set the ship on fire.

I need not apologise to the readers of the "Petrel Papers” for touching on a matter of such general interest as the foregoing little story suggests; nor will I stay to explain whether the story is a fact or a fiction. (I do not often write on so dry a subject) It certainly is true enough that smokers are sometimes rather careless in knocking the ashes from their pipes or disposing of the smouldering ends of their cigars; and I would kindly advise more caution, especially, in the tropic latitudes, when everything about the ship is dry and would easily ignite. Our Captain and his officers and crew, would doubtless do their duty in any emergency; but if a fire should occur gain an ascendency in a wooden ship, the bravest men afloat would be as powerless as infants to control their fiery master.

May our good ship be spared the fate of the Harmony and may all who are now on board land in Sydney in robust health and with rejoicing hearts. Long may the Parramatta keep her reputation as a safe and sound ship, and when her useful career at sea is ended let some of her venerated old oaken timbers be made into money boxes for the "Dreadnaught Hospital” and into easy chairs for the Royal Alfred Aged Merchant Seamens Home London in a grateful remembrance of the valuable help she has long rendered to those excellent institutions.
Ship Parramatta 7Nov 1882 I.R.H.

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Charades

Replies to the original charade which appeared in our issue of the 4th instant. The following were accurate.

A Cockney talking to his "Pal”
Will often call his little maid a "Gal”
The term you’ll hear beyond old Bow Bell’s
Yet here I think sound your first I’ve found.
I’ll take your "Second” simply as you state it
And call it "a” sounded as in ate it.
When looking for your "Third” I see
That Chinese herb which we name Tea
I’ve said some name it "Tea”
An Irishman would call it "Tay”,
Its only on Yorkshire table tray
I ever heard it te-ah (te-a)
If I thus far have guessed aright
Tis only in her classic garb I’d wish to see her
That cold unblushing beauty – Galatea

Nov 6th. 1882 "Nauticus”
Also Mr Ethel and Miss Ellis

My first is a beast; and without it I trow
Our toast would eat dry as old sticks
The murmurs of pussy my second will show
When her jackets she leisurely licks
My whole is the name of a world renowned poet;
And some of our readers will certainly know it
I.R.H.
Replies to be sent to the Editors not later than Nov 15th 1882.

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Chairs (continued from our last)

Another specimen of the comfortable chair is that belonging to our Anglo-Indian friend, Mr Chutney Wallah. It is a long low seductive looking chair made of light teak-wood and a woven cane bottom and back, in which the owner can quietly stretch himself with his legs and feet on a level with his head. This is a chair greatly to be desired but though our lady friends, are from the shape of its arms debarred from using it, the chair is in great demand among the male members of the company and consequently to be avoided by any one purchasing a chair for a sea voyage.

Next in the order of comfort come I think the canvas backed chair which is generally a home made production: but for all that one of the best companions of its kind you can provide yourself with. It is simply a strip of canvas stretched over two stout trestles on of which is grooved for the back support to slip into. This is one of the most comfortable of the genus ‘Nautical Chair’ and from a constant persistency on its part to convert itself into a puzzle in the hands of the tyro who is wishful to take possession of it – one of the more desirable of all chairs to a man who has an idea of keeping his own property, and using it.

next in order come the various of folding chairs with rest for the legs and feet, but which from an unconquerable will on the part of the hinges to break and convert themselves into a simple seat or something worse before the end of the voyage often prove themselves most unsatisfactory.

Having endeavoured to give a short account of the chair comfortable, I shall now confine myself

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to a definition of the chair uncomfortable.

At the head of the genus uncomfortable chair, I must place that which is generally to be found in the possession of the young spinster or green horn, who is making the voyage for the first time. I mean that gridiron-like substitute for a chair composed of thin lathes of wood which if they do not succeed in tilting us on to our face when we rise at least generally make us feel as if we had been severely flagellated about the lower portion of our body; after having resigned ourselves to them for a very short time. This specimen of chair I am happy to say quickly resolves itself into its original elements, and is consigned to the Galley fire or to David Jones’ Locker before many weeks of the voyage are over.

Next in order come those productions of the cheap out fitting shops, made of a light frame work of pitch pine and a carpet seat. These are most seductive looking articles of ship furniture; but soon symptoms of their treacherous nature begin to shew themselves. The tacks which confine the seat to the wood work begin to come away, this however is a slight ailment which is easily repaired; ere long more serious signs of dissolution appear in the shape of splitting of the wood work of the seat and a general weakness of numerous joints, evince a desire on the part of the chair to let its owner down on one side, in fact it only requires a few weeks if not less before ownes[?] hitherto firm belief in its durability is considerably shaken, if luckily the owner does not happen to suffer in the too confidently trusting himself to its dubiously inviting embraces.

There is another specimen of "Nautical chair”

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I mean the chair that has already made one or more voyages. This chair when it first comes on board wears a cheerfully confiding and inviting look; but soon symptoms of its inherent weakness and previous illtreatment begin to evince themselves. Lashings of rope yarn or twine may now be seen and its owner who formerly was always seen to be occupying it is now invariably lounging on the bulwarks and skylights or wandering about on the look out for some empty chair whose owner has temporarily left it.

The genus uncomfortable chair is innumerable and I might descant upon them ad infinitum but I feel Mr Editor that I have already trespassed to much on your space, so will conclude with a simple word of warning to the happy possessor or intruding owner of a Nautical chair. Do not leave you property about the decks after dark, and you have gone below for the night for the British Tar has an unconquerable desire to consign the subject of this article to the safe custody of the fishes; especially if he unluckily happens to knock his shins against one in the dark.
"Viator Secundus”
(concluded)

Our Frontispiece.

We would call attention to the Frontispiece adorning the cover of our Journal, at the same time we wish to express our thanks to our "Special Artist” Mr Edmonds for designing and executing the same; it is apropos very clever and has been greatly admired.
(Ed PP)

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[Written in margin]
The accompanying song sung in character at the entertainment on the evening of the Prince of Wales’ Birthday is by Mr Ottewill, we have been permitted to publish for the first time; Mr Ottewill also having kindly promised that we shall have the use of his topical song given on the same occasion for one of our future issues. (Ed PP)

Journeying Home.
Original Song By Mr Ottewill

I am journeying home today, to my cottage far away
Where I left my old woman years ago,
It seems it was my lot, to leave the dear old spot
Cause de Massa used to whip dis nigger so.
My bosom heaved a sigh, as I wished them all goodbye
I parted with them at the cottage door,
My heart was filled with pain for I never might again
See my dear wife and children any more.

Chorus.
So I’m journeying home today to my cottage far away,
To my home on the Missisippi shore,
And if the strength I’ve got to reach that dear old spot
I’ll never leave my children any more.

Children when their work was o’er used to gather round the door
In the evening when the sun was getting low,
They would dance and they would sing & make the banjo ring
But that is now some twenty years ago.
Many changes in that time I quite expect to find,
May be some have finished here below
But I never will despair I wait till I get there
In hopes to find them as in years ago.

Repeat Chorus

Now ever since the war I am a slave no more
My freedom has been bought by hard fighting
Altho’ I’m old and grey, I hope to see the day
When, as war there will never be no such thing
Ever since I have been free, Oh! how Ive longed to see
My cottage on the Missisippi shore,
And if the I once get there to you I do declare
My wife & home Ill never leave no more

Repeat Chorus

Herbert S. Ottewill.

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Entertainments.

A short entertainment took place on the evening of Wednesday October 25th consisting of music and readings. Captain Goddard who kindly occupied the chair subsequently and materially helping out a too short programme by reading Ingoldsby’s Legend of the Knight and the Lady. On Friday Oct 27th took place the usual ceremony of selling by auction and then burying the "Seamen’s Dead-horse” The following is a verbatim et liberatim copy of the poster announcing the same

"Varmezial[?] design R. NOATISS, 2 B soled bye Publick Hockshun hat thee "mart’ Quarter deck Plaice” the splendid Harrab Stede "FLYING SCUD”. The sail iz ficksed 2 taik plaice on Frydee the 27th Inst hat 7 Pee Hem, Hockshuneer Mr Tom Smash. Hall writes rezurved. Bi Horder”

This of course proved a novel entertainment to those making their first voyage. The result of the sale was a sum of £6.2.0 being realised. We hope on some future occasion to present to our readers with the words of the song sung on that occasion.

On Wednesday November 1st a concert was given in which each piece there in presented was sung in character; this was a most pleasing evening. The entertainment was presided over by our respected friend Mr Houlding, who in his usual genial manner introduced the several artistes.

On Thursday evening November 9th, the anniversary of the birth of the Prince of Wales, which certainly proved one of the most enjoyable evenings of the kind we have had during the voyage.

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Where all was done as usual by a amateur company it is almost invidious to particularise but we must mention one or two items contained in the programme – Miss Ellis’ Serenade with guitar accompaniment was rendered vert sweetly we hope next time she favours us she will have overcome somewhat the timidity evinced on this occasion. Miss Gillams treatment of the pathetic song "The Little Hero’ left little to be desired, and we would here observe that her masterly accompaniment of the other performers throughout the evening was a treat we now tender her our thanks for. Miss Vinter’s violin solo was a graceful contribution to the programme and received a well deserved encore. We refrain from any criticism of Mr Ottewill’s delineation of Negro character, it must be seen to be appreciated. We are pleased to be able to say we hope to present to our readers in forthcoming numbers his original songs, having already secured and inserted on in the present issue.

We have thus briefly summarised the entertainment from the 25th Ult up to the present time as we find they were accumulating so rapidly that our original intention of an extended notice of each would have made it impossible to get abreast of them, the issue of the journal not having commenced simultaneously with the voyage.

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Distances.

We have so frequently heard the query "How far are we from so and so” that we think the following table of distances kindly supplied us by Captain Goddard may prove of interest; we would suggest that our friends of an enquiring turn of mind take a copy. (Ed)

Plymouth to Madeira -- 1194 miles
Madeira to Equator -- 2065 "
Equator to Trinidada -- 1231 "
Trinidada to Tristan d’Acunha -- 1110 "
Tristan d’Aacunha to Cape Leeuwin -- 6000 "
Cape Leeuwin to Cape Otway -- 1490 "
Cape Otway to Sydney -- about 600 "
                                                
Total distance -- 13,690 miles
                                        
          Ship’s Report

Date	Longitude	Latitude	Course	Distnc	Bar	Ther.
Novr.4.	3°47’ N	26°10’ W	S.37.W	123 miles	30.01	84
5	2°27’ "	27°5’ "	S.36.W	93 "	30	83
6	0°20’ "	27°55’ "	S.22.W	137 "	30.12	83
7	2°28’ S	29°17’ "	S.22.W	187 "	30	80
8	5°37’ "	30°0” "	S.16.W	197 "	30.15	81
9
10
11

Signed J. F. Shardlow
Chief Officer

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Dead Horse

Old horse, old horse what brought you here?
You dragged a cart for many a year.
From Bantry Bay to Ballyrack
Where you fell down and broke your back.
Through kicks and thumps and sore abuse
He was salted down for sailor’s use;
Between the main-mast and the pump
You’ll find him there as salt as junk.
the sailors do me oft despise,
They turn him up and d – m his eyes.
They eat his meat and pick his bones
and send the rest to Davy Jones.
If you doubt it or say it is not true
Look in the cask and you will find his shoe.

Wm. Murray

A Puzzle.

[Mirror image of the following text]
[Begins]
How much a man looks like an ass
Who cannot read without a glass
W. Bowler
[Ends]
Egg sepp shuns

Honnistay iz allwayz thay besst polliss C az lawng az yew kant steel without reflekshuns been Kast onn yeur morrill Karaktur.
           
A sawft word turnith awai rawth falls threw when yew meat a mad bull in thay midule ov a 10 aker feeld.
           
SeehowalinelooksWithOutsPaces.
                  
W. Bowler

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When riding o’er the mountain wave
The hardy sailor’s ever brave,
He laughs at danger, smiles at fate,
And risks his life to save his mate.
Sam Smash.
                       
We regret that want of space entirely prevents us from noticing the Equatorial Sports which took place on the 7th instant, we hope however to reserve sufficient space for this in our next
(Ed.)
                  
Notices to Correspondents

Communications have been received from Captain Goddard – Miss Ellis – Messrs Houlding, Murray, Michael, Williams, Ethel, & Ottewell, thanks to all.
                
We do not undertake to return rejected M.S.S.
           

Since going to press we find an announcement has been made that the date fixed for the Bazaar is Friday the 17th Instant; it has our best wishes for its success.
             -
Published on board Messrs Deville & Moores’ ship Parramatta, within the liberties of Captain Goddard, this 11th day of November in the year of our Lord 1882 on the broad Atlantic somewhere about Lat 13° S Long 30W – by John Sawbones.
                      
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The Petrel Papers

No.3 Saturday November 18. 1882

Most of our fellow voyagers must often have felt a longing to know something of what is going on in the great world outside the small one (very small in some respects) in which we live, move and have our being at present. We therefore propose to give them the benefit of information we have privately received from "our own correspondent” by "Special wire”.

Parliament which in August was prorogued until October 24th at that date met for business and Mr Gladstone finding things in Ireland and elsewhere had got so terribly the upper hand of him and his administration;- So finding his "middle and muddle” policy was most unlikely to reduce this state of chaos to anything like order with his usual super abundant modesty, advised her Majesty to send for the marquis of Salisbury;- the Right Honourable and Most noble lord knowing full well it was impossible to rule the country with an adverse majority of something under a hundred in the lower house most respectfully declined to take office and advised her Majesty to recall Mr Gladstone; Mr Gladstone then resolved to appeal to the country – the country has markedly and in the most unmistakable manner condemned his policy by returning his conservative opponents to power with a

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majority of from seventy to eighty strong at their back. This being the case her Majesty was again advised to send for the leaders of the Tory party, and it was decided that the Right Honourable James Lowther commonly called the Right Honourable Jimmy, should undertake the formation of a ministry, his former experience as Chief secretary for Ireland so admirably adapting that sprightly gentleman for the Herculean task of solving the Irish difficulty. Amongst the most important of the Cabinet posts and other offices which Mr Lowther had to fill up in his administration we may note the following the appositeness of most of which will at once be observable. Mr Justice Hawkins having been raised to the peerage as one of the new Law Lords now takes his seat on the woolsack as Lord High Chancellor with the title of Baron Orton of Wagga Wagga Park Brixton. Lord Salisbury is made President of the Council – Sir William Hart Dyke also with a peerage as Lord Whip-stock takes the Privy Seal. The Right Honourable Stuart Wortley goes to the Home office Mr Plimsol first Lord of the Admiralty – Lord Elcho Secretary of State for War The Right Honourable William Edward Forster having joined the ranks of the liberal conservatives, with which party he has been flirting for years, resumes his office as Chief Secretary for Ireland for which his late friends, save us from such allowed him to be hounded. Mr Chaplin the member for Mid-Lincolnshire is to be Master of the Horse, and Lord Warnciffe Mater of the Buckhounds.

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At the usual banquet of her Majesty’s Ministers of State, given at the Guildhall, on the evening of November 9th after the installation of Mr Alderman Figgins, as the Lord Mayor, Mr Lowther in replying to the toast of her Majesty’s Ministers, departed from the usual custom of a long speech, which committed the speaker to nothing, and took his audience and the world in general, ourselves included into his confidence. He declared that it was the intention of her Majesty’s Ministers to forthwith proclaim Martial Law throughout Ireland – also that the war in Egypt being over they were enabled to send a large additional force into the country; that the whole of the troops in Egypt, save the Indian contingent had been ordered home & to disembark at Queenstown from whence they would be distributed as reinforcements of the troops now occupying Ireland. Lord Tel el Kebir the commander in chief being ordered home overland to consult with the War Office Authorities; prior to taking the supreme command of the troops in the Emerald Isle.

We may state here that Leiut. General Sir Garnet Wollesley has been promoted to the rank of General in the Army; and has been raised to the peerage under the title of Baron Tel-el-Kebir; and so far as Ireland is concerned we will hope Kebir (keep her) in order with a strong hand The results of some of the Parliamentary and Municipal Elections [etc] which have taken place recently, and may be interesting to some on board, we hope to communicate to our readers

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in a future number should space permit.

A Tiger Story

In the cold weather of 187- I had my first adventure with a tiger in India; of which a few notes may prove interesting to some of the readers of the ‘Petrel Papers’ – One fine cool evening as I was sitting in the Verandah of my Bungalow enjoying the fragrance of my cheroot and Ruy[?] after the fatigues of the day, and just thinking of dinner also perhaps of "Old England” and friends at home when my reverie was broken by the cries of "Buster Wallah” (Villager) one of my Ryots, who came rushing into the compound and up to the verandah steps threw himself on his knees shouting Dawai Sahib Dawai !” (Mercy Sahib Mercy). After a little trouble I ascertained from the excited old fellow, that one of his cows had been killed by a tiger that afternoon. This had happened on the ground where the cows of the neighbourhood were daily turned out to graze under the care of a couple of cowherds, whose care of their charge generally consisted in smoking the everlasting "hubble-bubble” chewing "pan” and sleeping.

I asked my old friend if the tiger had carried off the carcass and on his telling me that it had not done so as yet and as it was then almost dark and too late to get a shot at the beast that evening, I comforted his heart by telling him that I would try to pot the maurauder in the morning. A tiger having killed a cow nearly always leaves it on the ground where

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the deed has been committed until dusk when[?] it returns to drag the body off to its lair in the recesses of the jungle, and enjoys his repast at leisure. I found that the cow in question had been killed close to the edge of a dense "Ekor” (reed) jungle; in the midst of which Master "Bagh” probably had his midday retreat. I immediately formed my plans for having a pot at "Stripes” the next morning and arranged with the old "Buster Wallah” to meet me near the site of the foul deed next day at the very first streak of daylight.

My elephant at the time being ill and unfit to work, there was nothing for it but to go after the tiger on foot & track him up in the hope of finding him engaged on his morning repast. I promptly sent off a "chit” (note) to Young
A- - - one of my assistants telling him what was on the tapis[?], asking him to come and dine with me and to arrange our programme for the morning. Dinner over we looked "over” our rifles, cleaned them thoroughly and got our ammunition ready then turned in early so as to be fresh as possible in the morning.

At 5 o’clock next morning my "bearer” awoke us, and after partaking of "Chola Hazree” consisting of a cup of tea and an egg, we mounted our ponies and started for the scene of the previous days slaughter. We were accompanied by four "Cacharees” hill men each armed with a sharp "dhao” or long broad bladed[?] knife to cut the jungle with if necessary; they also carried a stout bamboo, slung to this latter we hoped to bring

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back our friend "Stripes”.

On reaching the grazing ground we found the old "Buster Wallah” awaiting us armed with a rusty old duck gun, the barrel tied to the stock with strips of cane and looking altogether as being much more likely to injure the confiding individual using it than the game or enemy against whom it might be discharged.

On examining the ground we found marks of the cow’s blood also the track made by the tiger in dragging away the carcass of his victim. This led us up to the edge of "Ekor” jungle direct, as I had expected, and which I have before said bordered the grazing ground. Reed jungle in India is not like reed waste in England; but an almost impenetrable mass of reeds from eight to ten feet high interlaced and matted together so as to be quite impassable excepting by cutting a pathway through it. Young A- - - and I dismounted, each being armed with a good rifle. – I had a Westley Richards "Martini Henry” and my friend a very good sporting snider thoroughly to be depended on. We found that the tiger had crushed down the jungle in his passage with the dead cow, so much that by stooping down we could follow the track pretty easily, though of course in a very constrained position. Our "cacharees” followed us and now and again removed with their "dhoos” any obstacle that was impeding us more than usual. After a slow and tedious march or rather crawl of about a mile we began to find the track more beaten, from which we judged we must be nearing the lair of the tiger, and therefore advanced more cautiously.

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I was leading, A- - - following close to me Cacharees[?] headed by the Old Buster Wallah with his antequated gun bringing up the rear. After going on very cautiously for about two hundred yards we came to a rather open space on which the Ekor was considerably broken down and flattened all around the space being probably twenty yards across. On the further side of this open space we saw "stripes” tearing away at the carcass of the unfortunate cow with an occasional growl. Our presence was not long in being discovered by the tiger, who looking up uttered an ominous growl no doubt wondering who we were thus disturbing him in his morning meal.

I had previously arranged with A- - - in the case of our falling in with the tiger, that I being in advance should fire first and he should reserve his shot until he saw the result of my fire. Accordingly I let drive at the animal at about fifteen yards distance with my Martini Henry and had the satisfaction of seeing Stripes bound half a leap forward and fall over the carcass of the cow. The brute gave one or two convulsive movements, then all was perfectly quiet. Fearing that the tiger though motionless might yet not be quite dead I asked A- - - to give him the contents of his snider, which he did by quietly walking up to Stripes and firing at him behind the ear. My followers the "Carachees” and the "Buster Wallah” who had for the short time this was going on been quite quiet now broke out into loud shouting and yelling at the top of their voices, revilled the tiger in the choicest terms the Hindostanee language could could supply and it is rather good at that sort of thing especially calling the tiger’s female relations by the most opprobrious names they could

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think of. In the twinkling of an eye they had pulled its whiskers out and appropriated them t0 be placed in a silver amulet or charm to be worn around the arm or round the neck.

Upon examining the carcass we found my bullet had penetrated the lungs and heart from behind the shoulder so that death must have been instantaneous and probably rendered A- - - shot unnecessary. We had Stripes slung to the Bamboo and made quite a triumphal party as we slowly returned to my Bungalow followed by an admiring crows of men women and children, all yelling at the top of their voices. I may mention that the animal turned out to be a young tigress measuring 9 feet 3 in. from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail. The skin was a very perfect one very well marked. I had it preserved & subsequently sent it home to one of my friends in England.

"Viator Secundus”
Parramatta
14 Nov 1882

The Equatorial Sports

Having crossed the line on Monday afternoon of the 6th of November, the usual Equatorial Sports were held on the main deck the following day, presenting some novel features to the landsmen and others making their first voyage. A start was made about 2.pm. Mr Shardlow our indefatiguable Chief Officer acting as starter, Messrs Michael and Olding[?]

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being umpires.

The first event was the High Jump, for this[?] there were 14 entries. The competition commenced at 3 ft 6 in. at which there were 3 or 4 failures at 3 ft 8 in again came two mishaps, at 3 ft 10 in 4 failures more reduced the contest to Messrs Pinches, Goddard, Field, Ottewill, Leonard and Atkins; On the jump being raised to 4 ft Ottewill failed and in two other attempts misfortune still dogged him. 4 ft 1 in was then essayed, Atkins and Goddard here came to grief, but the latter on a renewed effort cleared the ribbon pluckily Pinches, Leonard, Ottewill and Goddard all came to grief on the first attempt at 4 ft 3 in. On again coming up to the barrier Pinches baulked and on a third effort carried the line away. Then Field Leonard and Goddard each broked it down but on a 3rd fly Field cleared it in magnificent form. Goddard again failing Leonard then had a final chance and barefoot cleared it in fair style taking first prize Longden and Deavin then competed for 2nd place which the latter secured.

Hand over hand up a rope is an essentially sailors feat and requires a nautical training to perform, it was not therefore to be wondered at that few of the passengers were "in it” The first prize was taken by Crooks, the second by Neil Andersen, we ought to mention Deadly Nightshade (Mr Atkins) made a good third in this.

Foot to foot pull is another decidedly sailor-like affair, where the contest took place between fairly matched me a great deal of excitement was manifested and much amusement, such was the case with Simmons and Vincent who were very equally balanced; in the end however Vincent got the advantage and twice landed his opponent

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on the adverse side. Mr Baker and Mr Ottewill shewed some fine pulling. It seems to use however that in settling the first heats much more depends upon the fortuitous entry of the competitor rather than actual strength. Surely some more approved plan could be adopted. Petersen secured the first prize and Houghton the second.

The Sack Race caused the usual amount of fun but the risk of accident from a tumble must be greatly enhanced than where such a contest takes place on a green-sward as on land.

Ottewill secured first place, Vincent 2nd Peterson 3rd.

Long jumps Standing. Mr Baker started this by a apparently easy jump without much effort but it took a lot of beating, finally the result was Leonard first 8 ft 10 in, Burton second 8 ft, Deaven making a plucky effort for a little fellow however only came third.

Deck chalking was the next item on the programme, this was another of the peculiarly nautical games. A rope was attached to the life boat and hung to within about a foot of the deck where a good sized loop was made, with this loop the feet of the competitor are hitched, thus supporting himself face downwards and by the aid of his hands the feat is then to propel the body by the aid of the hands until it gets as nearly as possible in a perpendicular position as possible head downwards and supporting yourself with one hand to make a chalk mark on the deck with the other as far from the point of starting as possible and then to recover the horizontal position at starting, this latter seems the great difficulty of the feat as there is always the tendency of the body to swing round with the tension of the rope. We must mention that two of the boys Tommy Dodd and Peter Merrifield made plucky efforts in this event, the latter eventually taking the

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first place Mr Ottewill one of the passengers whom we learn had never tried the feat before making a very good second, and Deaven third.

The Greasy Pole climbing elicited the fun to be expected. The boy Merrifield who took the purse from the top of the pole seemed to have a very good idea of what he was about from the first, We understand he had taken it twice previously. Leonard was second in this.

Three legged race. In this Messrs Houghton & Goddard were first Messrs Simmons and Legg second, the former being 11 seconds the latter 12. Mr Spencer and Mr Seville tied[?] the first but stood out that the others might take the prize.

Dipping the Coppers caused a great deal of fun and not a little discomfort to those engaged in it we should think. Tommy dodd came out first having recovered 12 browns from the bottom of the tub and Legg second with 11.

Wheelbarrow race. In this D’arcy Goddard came to grief falling and severely bruising his right eye, this was the only accident of the day. Leonard an Smith were 1st Vincent and Simmons se3cond.

Cockfighting Peterson 1st Simmons 2nd.

The Tug of War took place in the Poop between the Port and Starboard watches respectively under the command of the Chief mate and Mr Smith. Captain Goddard acting as starter. In this the Port watch completely ran away with their opponents.

The bucket of Water race. In this the competitions were in heats each carrying the bucket filled to a certain height with water, the task being to spill as little as possible and get in first – the one who is loosing usually managing to deluge the others when he finds this is the case, with the contents of his bucket – poor Vincent cam in for a large share of this. Benison first Vincent second.

Race over the Mast Head This was confined to the boys only – Vincent and Andrews started at the foot of the main mast & Dodd and the Warspite boy at the foot of the fore – The course was up one mast and down again – then up the other and down again. Vincent and Andress won this very smartly, coming in first and second respectively going up the ratline and coming down the backstays.

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The Taming of Bucephalus
A new Version of an old story

In the kingdom of Greece there once lived a very queer horse
Whose head was so large and whose tail was so coarse
That they called him "Bous” which an [?} means d’ye see
To which name they added the Greek Cephale.

Now this horse was so wild, that tis said, none was able,
To mount nor to make him go into a stable.
But "Sandy the Big” vowed by rain, fire and thunder,
And the Delphic Oracle, I’ll make him knock under.

So on one day when the people assembled
The horse was brought out and the multitude trembled
For he kicked and he shied, and he played such mad tricks
As made the men stare – sent the women in fits.

Appelles came out with his brush in his hand,
"Why he’ll never make such a vicious beast stand”
And Timotheus exclaimed, as he twanged at his lute,
"Well! I never saw such a wild skittish brute!”

King Philip alarmed, cried "Jupiter Ammon”!
Don’t mount him my boy, or you’re dead as a salmon,
Your mother, no doubt, would make a great row,
"And my life, June help me, is bad enough now.

Alexander the Great, paid no heed to their cries,
Nor yet to the savage beasts plunges and shies,
With one sudden spring he leaped on his back,
And spurred with his heels and hit him a whack.

And away they both fly with the speed of the wind
Till the king and his courtiers are left far behind.
King Philip exclaims, as he chuckles with glee,
The like of my son, you’ll none of your see.”

Classicus

The writer of the foregoing has overlooked the main feature of this incident. Alexander observing that the animal was frightened of his own shadow, took advantage of his knowledge of this fact, turned the beasts head to the Sun leapt on his back and urging him in a direction the he could not see his own reflection, subdued the animal which was thus tamed.

[Ed PP]

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Children’s Entertainment etc.

The children on the afternoon of Wednesday the 8th November, assisted by the Misses Moulton and Brookes got up a small entertainment amongst themselves in which they presented a series of "Tableau Vivants” which they designated "Wayworks” – a space was screened off by the side of the life boat & a drop curtain managed by Messrs Sloper and Langdon shut off the space. Four scenes were given. The first representing, Their R.H.’s the Princess Alice and Prince Leopold who were presented by Mabel and Reggie Maffey respectively – Next came "Sleeping Beauty”. Renie Cunningham being the beauty and very lovely the little lady looked, Gertrude Brookes and Mabel Maffey being the mother and old woman in the scene. This was followed by the children in the wood where they are surprised by the bear. Gertrude and May Brookes and Mabel Maffey being the children and Reggie Maffey covered with a skin rug the bear. The piece de resistance followed this and was a representation of the Royal Family of England. Gertrude Brookes bore the robe of Her gracious Majesty, wearing a diadem & holding a sceptre! The other children being the different members, Mabel Maffey as the Princess Royal, Reggie Maffey the Prince of Wales, May Brookes the princess of Wales Whilst the others viz: Renie Sydney Cunningham & Edith Stalliveas & Frieda Maffey filled up the remaining figures. The little folks sustained their parts admirably and fully maintained their parts throughout seemingly much impressed with their dignity. On the conclusion of the entertainment Captain Goddard kindly set the youngsters to go through a series of Athletic Sports, to their great delight and amusement subsequently giving the little

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competitors prizes, consisting of toys the captain’s own photograph, books and sweets, these latter were kindly handed to the small folks by Mr Houlding with a few genial and appropriate remarks to each.

Equatorial Sports prize distribution

On the evening of the 9th of November the prizes gained during the Equatorial Sports of the day previously were gracefully distributed by Miss Moulter to the successful competitors. Her Majesty in future was seated at a small table covered with the Union Jack and placed upon the poop. The details of the competitions we have given elsewhere – the amount distributed being upwards of £7. The whole of the sum went to the members of the Crew, as though several of the passengers were successful in the contests they each stood on one side the prize going to the next best man if one of the Sailors.

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"It Doesn’t Matter”

Original topical Song by
Herbert S Ottewill

I’ll sing you a song tonight
Aboard the "Parramatta”
If it’s wrong or if it’s right
Of course you’ll find out later;
If there are some I do offend
Or others I do flatter
To give insult I don’t intend
If so – "It doesn’t matter.”

We have young maids up to a lark
A very fine selection
Their tricks are always in the dark
And baffle all detection
I think some matches will be made
But t’will not do to patter
Of some I should be sore afraid
But then – It does’nt matter.

Some queer ducks aboard are found
Whose names I dare not mention
They are so funny I’ll be bound
That they are a late invention
A swell has lately had a crop
His hair to the wind did scatter
His head looks like a worn out mop
But still – "It does’nt matter.”

Some old maids aboard this ship
Rather long have tarried
So help my boots I’d take a dip
sooner than get married.
But still I wish them all good cheer
As o’er the world they scatter
To this I hope you’ll say "Hear! Hear!”
If not – "It does’nt matter.”

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A doctor for your ailments queer
Is journeying for his health’s sake,
An editor and a doctor dear
In him there is no mistake,
What e’re he says tis well to do
Concerning phisic or paper,
If not some day you’ll surely rue
But then – "It doesn’nt matter”.

A preacher here both young and bold
Who gives you consolation
He’s looking for work so I’ve been told
Or some light situation (?)
"Your feelings go up and down” says he
The dar[?] innocent crate[?]
Wish him success across the sea,
If not "It does’nt matter”.

The captain is a right good sort,
His chief a jolly good fellow,
Altho’ at times when at his work
He’s liable to bellow.
And now a word before I go
and before your scatter
If to you my song is low
To me – It does’nt matter.

H.S.O.

Riddles

Why is a ragged coat like the roof of a Workhouse

I have a number of sheep feeding in a field. If I had as many more, half as many more, and two sheep and a half, I should have just a score. How many sheep are there feeding in the field?

A man was in prison for debt and a boy brought his food for him. One day his creditor said, If you’ll tell me what relation the boy is to you, you should go free.

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He answered
Brothers and sisters have I none
But that boys father was my father’s son.
What relation was the boy to him.

W.C.B.

Egg Sepp Shuns

M.T. vessils maik most sound iz a verree hold saying, but I think an Eyerishman filled with whiskee iz han egg seppshun to this booty fool rool.

Hay roallin stone gather no mows, but the man who mayd it hiz bizniss to foller the stoan to prove hit mite have staid hat hoam and conducted his filly-soppy-kill eggsperryments on a sitting won with more benny-fishul rayzultz tew himself.

W.C.B.

Ship’s Report

Signed J.F. Shardlow
Chief Officer

The Bazaar

The usual bazaar held each voyage upon the Parramatta took place yesterday Friday and was we believe equally successful with any other that had previously taken place. The sum realized amounting to £50. During the evening the Parramatta Corps dramatique put "Turn him out on the stage in very good style

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[Page 50]

Subsequently Captain Goddard either entertained all who had taken part in the Bazaar at a recharsalerché banquet in the Saloon – We hoe to give an extended report of tehse events in our next issue, which is impossible today having gone to prese with most of our matter prior to their taking place.
[Ed pp]

Notices to Correspondents

Communications have been received from Mrs Gillam, Mr Michael, Mr Ottewill, Miss Ellis, Mrs Shooter, Mr Houlding, Mr Bowler, Mr Shardlow. Thanks to all.

Correct replies to the charade which appeared in our last, were received from Miss Ellis and one of the men in the crew whose name we have not obtained. The answer should have been Cowper.

We do not undertake to return rejected M.S.S.

[Page 51]

The Petrel Papers

Saturday, November 25, 1882

We once upon a time had visions of the delights of sitting the editorial chair, burning the midnight farthing rushlight, and going home with the milk in the morning; but our P.D.’s views on this important subject are being rapidly absorbed into our own mind. His views upon the dignitaries of the editorial staff being some what of the following order. The Editor to the outer world is bos’ with the big "we” but as no man is a hero to his own valet, so to the P.D. the big "we” becomes the man who drinks whiskey, beer & smokes a dirty clay pipe and plays skittles. The chief of the reporting staff is the bos of his department and especially is this the case at public meetings, lectures and entertainments with people burning to make indifferent speeches and get flamingly, good reports there of given in his particular half-penny-rag. At home or rather in the office he is looked upon by the P.D. as the nigger driver of the establishment whose eternal whip is to elicit "copy” from his subs. and which the P.D. has to manipulate between his room and that of the editor and thence to the compositor’s[?] usually elevated surroundings. The primary step to the Editor’s chair is usually to attain the position of Sub-editor of some small rag then he

[Page 52]

ultimately aspires to pull the wires of, then to the editors chair of the smaller rag and eventually to [?] out for a vacancy, amongst Sub Editors of the halfpenny "Morning Thunderer” or the "Evening Whisperer”. In this position his chief duty consists of using scissors and paste, and in writing short leaders, mostly prigged from the latest of the metro\politan press with slight verbal alterations to disguise their origin. "Sic transit Gloria mundi”.

Tristan d’Acunha

LAT. 37°2’8”S. LONG. 12°18’30”W.

There was a great deal of excitement in the afternoon of Wednesday, November 22nd when after differ the Captain pointed out the island of Tristan d’Acunha in sight some 68 miles distant in the lee bow of the vessel almost every one was called at 4 a.m. on the following morning to find the island right abeam to leeward about 10 miles away. The following illustration giving a very good idea of what was then to be seen.

Tristan d”Acunha is one of a group of three islands in the South Atlantic some 1500 miles nearly W from the Cape of Good Hope. It was discovered in 1506 by the Portuguese and named after the commander of the expedition. It is a precipitous rocky island rugged in the extreme about 21 miles in circumference and five miles across the centry is a lofty mountain the highest peak

[Page 53]

of which is [?[300 feet over the sea level. On top[?[ of the peak is the crater of an extinct volcano, now an extensive lake, but which singularly does not contain fish. On the south east end of the island is a small settlement consisting of rather over a dozen houses with about 100 inhabitants, there are gardens, orchards and extensive grazing grounds several thousand acres. The village has at its back cliffs rising about 1500 feet surmounted by a table land from which abruptly rises the central peak. A short distance from the peak village is Falmouth Bay where ships can anchor, but with no very great safety from the exposed position. The settlement is chiefly English. In 1817 when Napoleon was confined in the island of St Helena the English fearing that the French might make the island the basis of operations for the relief of Napoleon decided to occupy the island with a detachment of artillery. At his (Napoleon’s) death in 1821 the detachment was withdrawn, but one of the force a corporal Glass together with a couple of seamen wishing to remain, facilities were given to them to do so and a [?] accorded to the corporal. These managed to obtain wives by some means and some whaling men having joined them having married their daughters, the present population has resulted. When the Sobraon put in here on Friday 24th Novr. 1976 Corporal Glass was still living a patriarch of 90 years.* The islanders are long lived and one man who came off on that occasion was the sone of a man who had lived to the age of 105.

Few vessels now visit the island as the supply of seal skins and oil from the sea elephant formerly their chief articles of trade has greatly diminished. To those vessels which approach near enough to the island the inhabitants, usually

Another account I have seen says "Corporal Glass the original settler died at 67 of cancer” no date given

[Page 54]

[indecipherable] with the produce they have to exchange which chiefly consists of sheep, pigs, geese, eggs, fresh and salt fish and potatoes with the beautiful skins of the albatross, seal wild cat &. The islanders are able to grow apples, peaches, grapes and strawberries.

All their possessions seem to be held in common by the inhabitants and provisions supplied to a ship are also deemed the property of the community, each family or household taking its turn to supply the ships that call. And the proceeds of the sale in clothing or stores are equally divided amongst the families. Peter Green a native of Rotterdam who was wrecked on the island about fourty five years ago is said to have the greatest influence over the people. This is possibly on account of his superior intelligence and the respect induced by his age. All are nominally man equality [?] and there is neither chief parson doctor lawyer nor schoolmaster – if any of them want to marry, they have to wait the chance of a ship calling with a clergyman on board.

The Parramatta on the 23rd of October 1880 when about 6 miles from the settlement observed a small boat put off: the captain hove to, and waited for it they brought off 5 sheep, 5 pigs, 10 geese, and 7 bushels of Potatoes, for which they received in exchange a cask of sugar, 112 lbs. Rice, 20 lbs. Tea, 50 lbs. Coffee and 200 lbs. of Flour, these being what they said they were most in need of, there were twelve men in the boat which was one which had been obtained from an Italian barque wrecked on the island; it was a very poor thing and the captain was very uneasy about their safety in landing as it had come on to blow a gale, they however did not seem uneasy on this score but having to land, as it was getting night time on the opposite side of the island to their village, they would have to remain there all night in the wet. The only method of crossing the island being by scaling the mountain. The pigs were very poor and one of them about the size of a terrier so savage that he snapped & barked at every one who went near him but for this the Captain would have kept the animal

continued on page 61

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[Page 55]

The Parramatta Bazaar

The eventful 17th of November did not dawn with the brilliance one would have wished, still the weather was sufficiently fine to allow the bazaar to proceed under comfortable circumstances. During most of the morning our ever active chief mate, Mr Shardlow, with a staff of willing helpers were engaged in working a fairy transformation scene on the Poop. The forward two thirds of the Poop being by them roofed in and walled in with canvas, and lined with parti-coloured bunting. At 2.30 p.m. all was ready. One stall bedecked with varied colours from the bright needlework and other articles for sale exhibited thereon, a second stall loaded with tempting viands not least among which was "the Cake”. These stalls were arranged upon the skylights to the saloon – the central light being an assortment of goods consisting chiefly of needlework dressed dolls and articles of vertu. Prominently among these we noticed some photographs of the imposing figurehead of our worthy commander in ingeniously constructed frames made from innumerable pieces of cork, the work, we understand, of Mr Houghton. A pretty toy was a small dressed doll sitting at the foot of a tiny cradle draped in muslin in which contained or reposed another miniature doll, This article was labled "The never empty cradle”. Some of the needle work was most exquisitely executed, especially an article which we believe to be technically termed "A Splasher” worked in blue silk outlines on a piece of white oatmeal cloth pourtraying four storks and some trees and foliage also an antimacassar done on a piece of satin cloth of the old dead gold colour and worked with "Marguerites” there were many others far to numerous however to particularise. The ladies in charge of this stall were the Mesdames Maffey and Shardlow and the Misses Churchward Maittard and Spooner[?]

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[Page 56]

A second stall arranged over the fore-skylight did duty as the Refreshment-bar. In a prominent position hanging over this was to be seen the tariff of prices of viands below for sale with a cleverly designed heading the work of Mr Bellingham. The most conspicuous article as before mentioned was the "Cake”, elaborately decorated, and surmounted by a pyramidal structure of coloured sugar ornaments carrying a rigged mast on the top of which sat a minature Jack Tar and two others at either end of spar: a wonderful production of the confectioners art, fruit confectionary tobacco aerated water [etc] [etc] going to make a very tempting show. This stall was presided over the Mrs Hinton the wife of our worthy steward, and a staff of young lady assistants.

In the corner by the side of the lifeboat was a screened off space devoted to a fortune telling Gypsy which was adorned with the following grammatically expressed placard "Zingaré” The World’s renowned Gypsy Queen”

At the stern end of the poop on the starboard side was an "Aunt Sally” an elegant figure head of dusky hue with two clay pipes in the mouth supported upon a pole issuing below from a tub on which was elaborately chalked as follows Mr Arkins, a death’s head & cross bones, "Deadly-Nightshade”. Our amiable young friend Mr A. comes in for a good deal of this kind of wit and takes it with the utmost good humour. On the opposite quarter of the poop was a shooting gallery provided with a circular target and 3 or 4 cross bows manufactured by the carpenter and presided over by Mr Smith, who handed out bows and arrows at a penny per shot to all who cared

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[Page 57]

to indulge in pulling the long bow for the time being. On the port side of the centre of the poop was arranged a "Wheel of Fortune” all prizes and no blanks. A troop of Christy Minstrels under the direction of our talented friend Mr Ottewill gave selections of negro music at intervals.

Immediately on the ringing vigorously of a bell which announced the opening of the festivities, the Poop was crowded with pleasure seekers in holiday attire with bright and smiling faces. Soon a brisk trade was being done in every direction. The ladies at the stalls doing a pushing business. The Gypsy King vociferously inviting all and everyone to step into the tent and have their destiny foretold. The Misses Moulton Brookes and Beattie rapidly dispensing the gifts dame Fortune lavishly bestowed upon all comers for a consideration of three pence. Tommy Dodd and Peter Merrifield loudly piping their invitations to take shies at Aunt Sarah at the rate of Three (shies) for a penny each. And Mr Smith doing a good business with the cloth yard shafts. The Captain and the Doctor pushed the lottery business the whole afternoon until we think their patrons must have been somewhat tired of their importunity.

During the evening the Royal Parramatta Corps dramatique put "Turn him out” on the stage in very good style with an excellent case. Mr Fields get up as Eglantine Roseleaf was admirable and his representation of the gay young spark done with much sang-froid. We would suggest that in the "gag’ in the future a rather more emphasised drawl of the "w” in the word sacwed would be an improvement. Mrs Cunningham went through her part as the maid servant without a hitch. Mr Smith

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[Page 58]

was a capital Nicodemus Nobbs, we think he would have done well to put a little more energy into earning the "10 bob”.

About 10 pm the whole of those engaged in the work of the Bazaar and of the Corps dramatique sat down in the saloon to a recherche banquet at the invitation of Captain Goddard, the table resplendent with elegantly prepared viands and a profusion of glass and plants and the saloon lighted in addition to the usual lamps by a number of Chinese lanterns presented a brilliant scene filled with a group of pleasant faces.

After ample justice had been done to the tempting culinary and other preparations Captain Goddard at the conclusion of the repast requested that all glasses might be charged with bumpers: he then in a few apposite remarks asked the company to drink success to the three noble charities for which the work of the past few weeks had been going on and which had consummated in the day’s pleasure. When at home he is brought into contact with the committees of the whole of the charities the members of which are fully aware of what is regularly being done on board the ship under his command, it is their wish directly expressed to him he should convey the thanks of the managers of the Charities to those who help in the good work. In addition to this Captain Goddard expressed his own personal gratification and thanks to every one who had in any way contributed to the carrying out the object in view. The toast was then very cordially responded to.

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[Page 59]

Mr Houlding then rose as the senior passenger to propose the health of Captain Goddard, he said he was an old man and an old sailor having in his time travelled in some forty steamers and ten sailing vessels all ocean going ships and never in this career had it been his lot to see a bazaar held on board ship for the benefit of the seamen and in future expressed his intention to use his influence (not a small one) in this direction. Further in his travels he had never seen such a banquet spread on board ship as the one they were then taking part in, and in doing so paid a well deserved tribute to Mr Hinton and his staff of assistants. With a few words as to the Captain’s proverbial care in the navigation of his ship, his kindness and courtesy to all with whom he came in contact, he proposed long life, health, and prosperity to him. This was most heartily pledged with musical honours and three times three.

Mr Shardlow then asked that "Absent Friends” should be remembered especially coupling with the toast the name of Mrs Goddard; speaking in warmly affectionate terms of that lady and of his pleasant reminiscence of making several voyages in her company. This was cordially received as those who had the pleasure of meeting Mr Goddard for the few days in out trip from London to Plymouth could easily conceive that her presents would have added very much to the pleasure of our present voyage. Captain Goddard replied thanking Mr Shardlow for his kind expression of regard for his wife. The Revd. Mr Spencer then proposed the health of Mr Shardlow and the officers of the ship. Mr Seville then proposed the ladies in a humourous maiden speech – To which Mr Field replied. As

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[Page 60]

he said he would and so he did upon his sacred honour.

"The last toast of the evening was the health of The Royal Parramatta Corps Dramatique” was entrusted to Dr Maffey who after warmly speaking of the success of the performance of the evening by that celebrated company went on to say how much all owed to the seamen for the risks and hardships on our behalf and that the least we can do is to add one mite to as all had done that day to help those to whom all are so much and so variously indebted, that our aid was asked by one who had taken an active and practical interest in "the charities for seamen for a large period and who was therefore a competent judge as to whether their administration justified our support. For his part he believed they did and felt that they might congratulate themselves on having contributed to the wants of the orphan, the aged and the sick in a practical manner.

The toast having been duly honoured, Mr Odling briefly responded.

This brought to an end a day which must be looked back to as a fred letter day in the present voyage.

Captain Goddard’s statement

The following details of your Bazaar will probably be of interest to all on board and I gladly avail myself of this opportunity of thanking again all concerned for their generous assistance in securing so very satisfactory a result.

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[Page 61]

Articles sold at stall
[Not transcribed]
Signed
William Goddard

I’m Thinking of Thee

I’m thinking Nellie dear of thee,
Tho’ we’re so very far apart,
Thy face in visions oft I see
The darling loved one of my heart
Though winds may blow in fury wild
That carries me o’er the sea
Still in such times I see my child
And thinking Nellie dear of thee
      Chorus

I’ll ne’er forget the kiss you gave
When in deep sorrow we did part
How for my promise you did crave
That I would leave behind my heart
Then to my darling I’ll be true
Where e’re I may roam
Yes all my thoughts shall be of thee
And those little ones at home
      Chorus
Do you Nellie think of me,
As o’er this world I wander lone?
Do you in your visions see
This wanderer when he’s far from home?
Oh! how I long to see the time,
When together we shall be,
Then happiness it will be mine
For loved one I’ll ne’er part from thee
      Chorus

[NOTE IN MARGIN]

Chorus I’m thinking Nellie dear of thee
                I’m thinking Nellie dear of thee
                Tho’ winds may blow in fury wild
                Still Nellie dear I think of thee.

Original ballad by
Herbert S. Ottewild

[Page 62]

Tristan d’Acunha
continued from page 53.

would have kept the animal as a curiosity. A trial was then made to serve him up as "Sucking Pig” but this proved a failure.

To this brief account of Tristan d’Acunha it may be interesting to add an incident which has been communicated to me by one of the sufferers who is at this moment on board the Parramatta.

The Fileur Vaidslaw [?] an American vessel of 2700 tons burthen carrying a crew of 27 men and a woman as stewardess laden with coal from Cardiff and bound to Singapore was wrecked on Goughs Island on December 16th 1878. It was during foggy weather the mishap occurred a current having carried the ship on to the rocks of the desert isle. The boats were launched three in number and the ship sank almost as soon as the boats got fairly and safely away from her. All the provisions instruments & in the hurry of leaving were put on board the long boat in which was the second made in command and my informant. The Captain and the mate taking charge of the two whale boats, The intention being that the whole should make for Tristan d’Acunha. In the fog the long boat got separated from the other two during the following day the first mates boat capsized, luckily the other boat was able to save all in her but then was found to be overweighted. The Captain then determined to put back to Gough Island again; on the third day they fell in with the long boat as the second ate was rowing round the island to if possible find the other boats which were without provisions. Twas now decided to land upon the island fit out the long boat and for the Captain and a part of the crew to Tristan d’Acunha in

[Page 63]

search of aid. The landing being effected on the island they found a deserted wooden hut built by the side of a stream which had been used by whalers who had been upon the island, this was in pretty good repair; they also found some planks of wood and with these raised the gunwale of the long boat 9 inches, she was fitted with provisions water instruments & and had some blankets rigged for sails. In this boat the Captain with a crew of nine men again set out, they safely reached Tristan d’Acunha in six days, but every hand in the boat sick from fatigue and exposure. Here they found a Swedish brig the Captain of which at once started to rescue the men on the island this he successfully accomplished taking them off the rock fifteen days after the wreck on New Years day 1879. During the time the men wre on the rock they found plenty of eggs, cabbage growing wild on the place and there was also fish in abundance which they were able to catch, especially cray-fish. They spend their time chiefly in fishing and egg hunting and at times in securing things from the wreck. One day they found a bread tank containing about 2 tons of bread from the wreck, but this was too heavy for them to secure at on account of a great swell at the time. The Captain of the Swedish Brig landed the crew at East London on the coast of Africa. Soon after leaving the island an English vessel was spoken but its captain refused to take any of the wrecked men on board on the plea that it would be so long before he could call anywhere to leave them. The crew was subsequently taken by a steamer to Cape Town and ultimately sent home to their own country. I am told this is the only recorded rescue from shipwreck on this island.

John Maffey

£R.G.P [etc] [etc]

[Page 64]

The Woes and Worries of a dyspeptic man
- and his perfect cure.

Of all the disorders to which man is heir,
Dyspepsia is surely the worst;
Not the body alone but the mind t’will impair
T’will make him as surly and cross as a bear
and think he is especially cursed

Than tell all the worries through which I have been
I’d rather be ducked in a drain.
If I glance at a few perhaps my aim may be seen
And some woebegone wight with disease of the spleen
May feel his hope kindle again.

I once was as strong as an iron bark log
But losses and crosses and care
Soon made me as thin as a blackfellow’s dog,
And a bothered as Paddy stuck fast in a bog
Or a bull in the midst of a fair

Oft I’d sigh "could I purchase a little green isle
In midst of the ocean alone;
There away from the world with its noise and its guile
I’d ramble about in a primitive style,
Till my features with healthfulness shone.

When at home I’d no rest for my ears or my eyes,
For friends would drop in all the day;
(Good folks whom if absent I really would Prize)
And each one some treatment would kindly advise
To banish my ailments away.

 "Eat no animal food” said a very sage head,
But live upon herbage alone;
I’d advise just a grilled mutton chop and some bread
Said Another "and always go early to bed,
For you quite to a shadow have grown

Another searched "Graham to find out a cure
For a man who was almost a wreck;
Of mixtures – as nauseous as stuff from a sewer
And bolusess , powders, and pills I am sure
I took very nearly a peek.

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[Page 65]

With quinine and steel drops and valeuan too,
My poor groaning system was ground,
Till I felt such a fizzing and wracking as though
I’d a whole cutters ship in my regions below,
And a grindstone was fast moving round.

But I’ll stay – though my worries might fill up a page
As long as the keel of Noah’s Ark,
Than have them return I would rather engage,
To catch a grim tiger let out of its cage,
Or fight with a shovel-nosed shark.

Till I went to a doctor – a qualified man,
(My delay Ive had cause to bewail,)
And thanks to his skill and his practical plan
I soon got as frisky as frogs in a pan,
Or a cat with a bell at her tail.

I then went to work and with joy and delight
I hailed the return of my peace
And since my old symptoms have all taken flight
I am cheerful by day and can sleep at night
And my body and soul are at rest.

The moral of these rugged lines you may see
If you study the stanza below
And if some poor wretch who from madness would flee
Will follow my plan he’ll soon feel himself free,
And as light as the breezes that blow.

An abundance of work for body and mind,
Is the very best cure for the vapours,
And that in the world every seeker may find
I helping the sick and the lame and the blind,
And a blessing will follow such labours.
J.R.H.

N.B. The foregoing verses (somewhat abridged) were written by me for my book "Christopher Cockle”. J.R.H.

Ship’s Report

Date	Longitude	Latitude	Course	Distnc	Bar	Ther.
November19.	33°37’S	17°48’ W	S.33.E	205 miles	30.14	67
20	34°47’ "	14°40’ "	S.68.E	160 "	30.14	66
21	35°14’ "	12°32’ "	S.70.E	117 "	30.28	62
22	35°33’ "	12°49’ "	S.37.W	24 "	30.42	66
23	37°18’ "	11°2” "	S.39.E	136 "	30.44	62
24	38°14’”	7°22’ "	S.72.E	182 "	30.31	63
25..	39°15’”	3°14’ "	S.72.E	203 "	30.04	61

Signed J.F. Shardlow
Chief Officer

[Page 66]

"No business of mine”
Topical song by H.S. Ottewill.

Ill sing you a word one or two,
Of things that have happened here lately,
Of the passengers and the crew
Whose conduct has been somewhat stately
My remarks I hop will not offend
For to friendship I always incline
If I break many hearts I will mend
Altho/ "It’s no business of mine”

Of concerts there’s been three or four’
And I think they all gave satisfaction(2)
When you do your best you can do no more,
Your applause was a very good action,
"Never Empty Cradle” it was sung,
By a swell whom I’m sure will shine
I you think I’m right or Im wrong’
Of course, it’s no business of mine.

We have lately had a fine fair
I’m sure it was very well ‘tended
The old and the young were all there
The first and the second were blended
Some ladies were dressed in their best
With flowers on their shoulders so fine
I’ll leave you to guess at the rest
For I’m sure "it’s no business of mine.

We had amusement of every kind
With beautiful "Zingara The Queen”
And a showman you rarely will find,
Such barmaids never are seen
Some minstrels were knocking about
Picking pockets to pass away time,
Of their characters there’s not a doubt
But still "it’s no business of mine”.

One passenger here wouldn’t give
Not a groat to an object so grand,
But if the same man he should live
For alms he may hold out his hand.
I ne’er though we had such a knave
to such charities wouldn’t incline
I his life he a penny ne’er gave,
But then it’s no business of mine.

In the eveving we were near brought to sobs
We were "pon my sacred[?] honour”,
By the acting of Susan & Nobbs
Julia and Moke[?] – he’s a [indecipherable]

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[Page 67]

After which, why they turned us all out,
To dance for a very short time,
Their object was good I’ve no doubt
If not "it’s no business of mine”.

The supper I’m thinking about
I’m sure it must cost some attention
For the style in which twas laid out,
Great credit is due to Squire Hinton,
Some made the best of the night,
For they stuffed the whole blessed time,
But still if they busted outright
I’m sure "it’s no business of mine”.

And now I’ve finished my song,
I leave without any delay,
For I fear I have kept you to long
Will appear again some other day
I suppose I’ve offended a lot
And subjected myself to a fine
But whether you get it or not
I’m sure "it’s no business of mine”. H.S.O.

Entertainments.
On the evening of Tuesday the 21st instant the juveniles of the company under the direction of Misses Moulton and Brookes presented us with a series of eight "Tableaux vivants” descriptive of the history of Cinderella All the characters were most admirably sustained by the little folks – The Fairy Godmother being inimitable The part was sustained by May Brookes, Mabel & Reggie Maffey took the role of Cinderella and the prince. The scene where Cinderella is found at the washing tub was very fine, as was also that of the wedding, the whole force of those engaged being brought to bear in the latter making a fairy like little picture. The remaining characters not already mentioned were borne by Roger and Edith Stallivass, Gertrude Brookes, Sydney Cunningham and Frieda Maffey.

On Friday evening Novermber 24th a "Christy Minstrel[?]” Entertainment was given in the Salon by an admirably got up troupe under the direction of Mr Attewill, Rolling on the Sydney an original song written by Messrs Michael and Attewill to the same music as "Jordan is a hard road to tread” sung to Mr Ottewill’s banjo accompaniment refused an
Continued on page

[Page 68]

Court Circular

On Friday evening the 24th instant Captain Goddard entertained a select and distinguee company of young ladies and gentlemen at tea. Subsequently some singing and a number of games were indulged in up to 8.0 pm when the small people’s carriages wafted them away to their respective cabins for the night.

Correspondence

"Parramatta”
21st. November 1882.

To the Editor of "the Petrel Papers”

Sir

Allow me to draw your attention to an error in your report of the Equatorial Sports. In the contest of "deck chalking” I took the first prize place by several inches.
Yours etc.
H.S. Attewill

We are very pleased to make this correction which is only due to Mr Attewill.

[Ed. P.P.]

On board the Parramatta 23 Nov. 1882

To the Editor of the "Petrel Papers”.

Sir, Several persons on board have been enquiring whether a ship’s captain, or Chaplain is legally qualified to solemnizsed matrimony on board the ship, or if it would be necessary to have the ceremony performed again on shore, or in the presence of a register. Any information you can give me on this subject would I am led to understand relieve the anxious feelings of many on board this vessel. I am Sir
Your Obedient Servant,
"The sweet little cherub that sits u p aloft.”

Some three years ago an official notice was issued to Captains of the mercantile marine cautioning them against performing marriage ceremonies on board ships under their command! As an adverse[?] decision in the law courts as to the legality of such marriages had then recently been given: What the Chaplain’s powers in this matter are we cannot say but should think other legal requirements being complied with a clergyman in Holy Orders could exercise his functions in this respect as well on board a ship as elsewhere.
[Ed. PP]

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.
[Ed. PP].

[Page 69]

Notices to Correspondents

Communications have been received from Mrs Stallivray, Mr W. Williams, Mr Attewill, Mr W. Murray, Mrs Shorter, Mr Houlding, & Mr Michael, thanks to all.

The great length to which our present issue dhas extended has still not supplied us with sufficient room for some contributions, we would gladly have inserted under other circumstances; others are held over for future consideration.

Published this year of grace on thousand eight hundred and eighty two, on the twenty fifth day of November.

Entertainments Continued from page.

Encore – "The Miser” by Mr Bowler followed, which has a good telling chorus, then followed some amusing nigger patter between Bones and the conductor. Bones struck us as speaking his part in this a little too rapidly. Mr Deavin then followed with "Where my blue eyed darling sleeps” as a fair tenor this was exquisiteely sung and was heartily encored. The "County Lad” followed from Mr Hayter, this has a rattling good chorus which goes with fine effect. Patter followed by Bones and Tambousine in which each went in for what the other said. Massa’s in the cold, cold ground” has a very sweet chorus, Old King Cole”, by Mr Bellingham fairly brought down the house especially in the last verse referring to the Captain; the chorus in this was very fine – Patter between Bones and the conductor was the next item and was succeeded by Mr Taylors song "Down by the river side I strayed” certainly one of the sweetest things rendered during the evening and which received a very warm encore. What an afternoon followed by Mr Bush with a good chorus. Mr Attewills original ballad "I am thinking of thee” is a very pretty thing

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of a sentimental kind, it received a well deserved encore, The first part of an interesting programme was brought to an end by Bone’s persevering attempt to tell his brothers the history of his friends Brown’s horse – in which he managed not only to take all his colleagues off the stage but also some of the chairs took themselves away.

The second part of the programme was opened by Mr Taylor with the only failure of the evening, a dance song Mr T-‘s memory having failed him with the words so we did not get the song "Massa” but the heel and toe jig was very well done. Mr Houghtons Mulligans guards was very amusing. The enormous length of the commander and the antics of his equal[?] fairly earning them a hearty encore. The patter following between the distressed banjo instructor and h is visitor was very well sustained indeed. Mr Attewill then followed with another original topical song which directly received quite an ovation throughout. We must congratulate Mr Attewill on the prolific manner his facile pen turns out these Negro melodies and humorous sketches as well as upon his training of the troupe assisting him. The National Anthem then brought to a close one of the most successful entertainments we have had during the voyage, the company all round being a very strong one.

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The Petrel Papers

Saturday, December 2, 1882

Some three months must elapse from the time this ship and its living freight left England before we are again a living moving part of the world on terra firma; and so far as every ninety nine out of the hundred of us may be concerned, this three months must prove a blank in our lifes. We for our own part are not in the least likely to rummage the files of the newspapers to ascertain what has taken place in the daily life of the world during this time, and shall, we expect in common with most of our co-voyagers, be content to take second hand from some friend a brief resumé of the events and unless something very startling takes place in the polity of Europe or elsewhere, we shall be content to let the history of this period drop into oblivion.

We thought good in one of our previous issues to make a burlesque of what might be supposed to have taken place in connection with English Parliamentary affairs; but as the idea therein was both misunderstood and misinterpreted it would have been worse than folly to continue any articles in a similar strain; still we think[?] there can be no harm done, at all events no bone will be broken, in writing as a pure question of surmise, or speculation, as to what may have transpired.

It is no great stretch of the imagination to fancy some of the Irish party in the House of

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Commons, being, ere this more than once in tolerably hot water. Mr Bygar with his coarse vulgarity, defying the ruling of the Speaker and being forcibly removed from the house by its offer to be subsequently confined in the base of the Clocktower. Healy with scarce more refinement, being suspended for the remainder of the session. Redmond the whilom Government Office clerk with his blatant tongue, only earning[?] another black mark against his name to relegate him to the same shady retreat.

Has the Czar of all the Russias oft postponed coronation taken place: or has that poor creature who so vividly illustrates the old adage, "That uneasy lies the head that wears a crown” – had to make further postponements of the usually eagerly looked forward to ceremony by those entitled to wear such a coronet as [?] to his lot. Or has he evinced the temerity that no one seems to give him the credit for and rushed boldly on the caissions[?] mouth, or going trembling through the ceremony has he in returning to his palace been assassinated in some dastardly manner similar to the shocking act which put an end to his Fathers life? Would to heaven if only for his own sake he could see that a liberal policy, with measures to secure an enlightened education to his people can be the only means of protecting his own life against the spirit evoked by ages of grinding poverty and slavery, which is and has been the lot of his people.

How has the war in Egypt terminated, or has it ended? Has the Sultan with his usual wiliness turned the tables upon us in the end: has that arch fiend and puppet of his, Arabi Pacha got his deserts: 10 feet of rope with a slip knot at the end, slung over a beam; - or is he now revelling in the delights of Court life at the Golden Horn> Have we again secured against all comers M. d. Lesseps

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protests notwithstanding, our highway to India; or has Russia stepped in to complicate the Egyptian question by her interference? Or if not meddling with the Suez Canal has she been still pushing her way in central Asia, nearer and nearer to our Northern Indian Frontier and there provoked rebellion and discontent in our Eastern territories.

Nearer home have the French come to terms with us about a new treaty? They are very foolish if they have not, for so long as they set a high tariff upon our goods the verriest schoolboy would tell them, if he could only grasp a few small facts, that it is their own people and not ours, who have to pay the extra charges they thus levy, and that they are the losers in the long run.

Have the Americans with the mighty influence of public opinion, frowned down the Fenian filibustering rascality, talked so blatantly by that undiluted piece of scoundrelism O’Donovan Rossa and his [?] assassins and mutilators of dumb animals. The solution of these matters we must leave to time and in the hands of that high power to whom all must bow.

A man over-board

The following story of a man-overboard is told by an eyewitness of this terrible incident of a seafaring life. The ship Penelope about the middle of Oct 187- was in Latitude 38° South; Longitude 2° West on her way from London to Melbourne; with the wind on her port quarter, blowing half a gale – she was staggering along under topgallant sails, with the mainsails and smaller sails furled. The second officer was on deck in charge of the forenoon watch, the men being variously employed.

The watch below were some in their bunks asleep,

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dreaming of home and the girls they left behind them or perhaps of their last ship; one was making a model of a ship another mending h is dungaree pants on the forecastle. The latter suddenly gives the alarm to the watch below, that a man is overboard. Two men had been working about the head gear and one of them had slipped and fallen into the water a shout from the fore part of the ship of "A man over board!” spreads the news fore and aft with electric speed. Repeated cries from one and another of the passengers creates a scene of appalling confusion but the second officer cool and collected, quickly makes his way aft and giving his order "hard down with the helm” grasps a life buoy and heaves it towards the man this misses him another lifebuoy follows with a like result. As this moment the commander comes on deck, and orders the starboard quarter boat to be cleared, at this instant also a seaman is seen going up to the main topmast head. The crew rush off some barefooted others bare headed and mostly only half dressed eager to do their best even to risking their own lives in an effort to save that of a fellow creature. The Captain orders, "Cast off the lashings” these then foul, - the Captain cries "Cut away – the boat falls some how but thank heaven rights herself. Four men scramble into her and the second officer jumps after them to take command. The boat pulls away from the ships side Every one breathes "God speed the life boat.”

The Captain shouts to the man aloft, "Hullo” do you see the man? Aye Aye Broad off the beam sir” comes the reply.

The first officer goes forward and gives the order "brace up the foreyard” a voice "the fore topsail sheer[?] carried away sir!” The first officer shouts "Then clew up the sail my men”.

In the meanwhile the excitement amongst the passengers is terrible, Telescopes, binoculars, and eye-glasses are brought to bear, in trying to get a view of the poor fellow in the distance, or in watching

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the movements of the boat. The ship is worked and trimmed under the direction of the Captain so as [?] the boat. A few more moments of suspense, and the joyful cry comes from the masthead – "they have got him sir! All right” cheers seem to burst simultaneously from every lip The boat soon returns to the ship and is hoisted up with the half drowned man in it. The boat is secured, the life buoys returned to their places and the m an is handed over to the Doctor. An extra watch below and proper treatment result in the man appearing the following day very little worse for his immersion. There is no more heartrending cry on board ship than that of "Fire” or "a man overboard”.

Wm. Murray

"A Wife for Sale.”

An aged couple were having a wrangle over their breakfast table one morning. It originated in some paltry matter not worth a dry bone from snarling they soon got almost up to fighting pitch or to throwing cups and saucers at each others heads. Suddenly the old man jumped up in a rage and vowed with an emphatic thump on the table, that if his wife dared to utter another word good or bad, he would put a halter around her neck and sell her in the market place a proceeding which he believed the law of the land fully warranted. If the wife had had a grain of prudence she would have been silent after that outburst – at any she would have restrained her tongue untill her husband’s wrathful fit had subsided and would not have forced him to the alternative of either breaking his vow or carrying out his savage threat. But long practice as a nagger had made Nancy very reckless of her words and she seldom weighed till they were uttered and she felt the force of their rebound. Though she had suffered times out of number for not keeping a prudent control over her "unruly member” she could not in the present brawl

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resist the desire to have the last word so she said in an angry tone, "I know you have the heart to do any cruel thing, but I defy you John Rodd to halter me like a horse or a donkey, Yes I defy you to do it – Yah!” she uttered "Yah” with her hands on her hips.

"Defy me do you?” I’ll soon let you see that I will am not to be scared by a snappish old vixen. Ah! You may grin at me but I mean it. He then went into the stable, took a halter from his horses head, and returning to the house put it round his wife’s neck. "Now then, old scratch cat gee up! I’ll get rid of you before I eat another meal in this house for I am almost dinned to death by your obstreperous tongue. Come no kicking misses or I’ll get the whip! Oho! Never fear I go without whipping, and glad enough I shall be to get away from such a brute as you. It will be a lucky sell for me no doubt for I cannot fall into the hands of a worse master even if old nick himself should buy me.”

He won’t buy you so don’t pride yourself on that. He knows he’ll get you for nothing by and by come look sharp.

"Don’t pull my head off before I start you cruel monster! Can’t you let me put on my bonnet and shawl?’

The old man suffered her to dress to her fancy and then he again put the halter over her head and led her away to the market place. On the way thither she continued to scold him for his brutality but he took no notice of her taunting words and walked away with the end of the halter in his hand and she followed with a tripping step to indicate her delight at the change that awaited her. At length he took his stand by the side of the market pump doubtless looking ashamed of the heathenish job he had undertaken. But his wife had fiercely defied him to do it, so he was resolved to sell her to the first bidder no matter what the price was, if it were only to prove that he were master, and that a British man can do what he likes with his own. John Rodd was not a good hand at a bargain, either as a buyer or a seller and except when arguing with his wife was

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a man of few words. When selling a prime fat pig to a butcher he never said half as much in praise of the animal as some men would say over a miserable lean pig. His embarrassment at his present bargaining increased as he saw a crowd of idlers hurry up to see the strange sight, and he was about to propose to Nancy that as it was a dull day on the market they should go home and come again on Saturday but at that unlucky moment she tauntingly said "Are you going to keep me standing here by the pump to be stared at all day long? Why don’t you sell me if you are not ashamed to do it?”

Thus encouraged John began to shout out "A wife for sale! A wife for sale!”

"Yes and a very good wife too” cried Nancy in a sharp shrill key; to which John replied by an equivocal grunt. Perhaps he was afraid to say she was not a good wife lest he should not sell her and like a good man selling a bad horse he would not say a word which might hurt his conscience. At any rate, John only gave a grunt. And left the bystanders to guess what it meant. Grunts are intelligible enough in some circles, where they are usually the only media of communication. After standing for half an hour or more without effecting a sale John began to be sorry that he had been so foolish as to come to marked on such a disreputable errand. His anger was cooled down. His wifes temper was also subdued. Still neither of them sufficiently softened to make the first advance towards a reconciliation. John continued to shout now and then, "A wife for sale”, but his voice was growing husky, and once or twice he could not prevent a tear from rolling down his face but he hoped his wife did not see it. A wife for sale” cried John, but in his heart he hoped he might not find a buyer, "A wife for sale! A wife for sale!”

Yes and I have been a good wife to you for forty years and you cant say I haven’t” appealed Nancy in a whining tone.

"Hum – ha – yes, so she has. That’s true enough and I don’t deny it, "A good wife for sale! Who ‘ll buy hr/”

"O dear, dear, dear! What do you want to sell me for Johnny

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cried the poor old woman, who was melted at once by her husband’s admission that she was a good wife. "Ah Johnny who will you get to rub your lumbago if you part with me.” Boo-hoo-hoo! Nancy’s grief was now beyond restraint and she sobbed aloud. "I won’t part with you for any money Nan” exclaimed Rodd, taking the halter from her neck and throwing it away in disgust. Come along old sweetheart I’m sorry enough we came out to make fools of ourselves, and se the whole town talking about us. Let us hurry home again Nancy my girl. Be whipped if I would sell you for a bushel of sovereigns and a new wife into the bargain.

The rhinoceros has its tender part, so had John Rodd, rough as he was when roused to anger. Nancy’s tender appeal, What do you want to sell me for Johnny touched his tender feeling in a moment, and a responsive outburst of kindness was the result; on the universal principal that "like begets like”. The remembrance of a thousand little acts of his wife in times of sickness rushed into his mind all at once and salved over the stinging effects of her hasty tongue, and John would sooner have put the halter around his own neck and hanged himself to the marked pump than have sold his dear old Nancy or even wounded her heart afresh by a single harsh word. As they jogged homeward arm in arm together the mutually resolved that in future they would keep a prayerful watch over their words and be as careful to study each others feelings as they were before reckless in wounding them.

This is only a fanciful story but it may perhaps remind some persons of wrangling scenes in their homes and of conjugal discontent in their own heart. True a man may never have gone to the contemptible lengths of putting a halter over his wifes neck for the purpose of selling her; but has he not in his secret heart wished he could untie the nuptial knot by a process less vulgar than a public sale in the market place? And is there not some wife in the land who like Mrs Rodd is ever tenacious of having the last word though she knows it will lead to a brawl.

It is a curious study, though not a very cheering one to observe an old married pair of the surly sort in the midst of a select company of visitors at their own

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house. To notice how polite and affable Mr Jakes is to all the guests, but how stiff and raspy he is when he approaches his own wife. And how amiable Mrs Jakes is to everybody present except her husband – for whom she shows cold contempt – or something very like it. How she laughs at the twaddle of old Mr Featherhead, or listens with awe to the misty talk of young Grinder about pre-historic creation! But if her lawful partner should give expression to the concentrated pith of three weeks’ reflection on some matter of vital interest socially she would affect total indifference, and perhaps talk to her nearest guest about muffs. And if he were to let off a genuine joke, which roused the company like tickle she would look as serious as a donkey eating a lemon, and perhaps ask audibly, "What did Mr Jakes say?”

If a man were seen digging a deep trench beside the foundation of his house he would be justly considered a fool or a madman, and h is friends would rush to stop him from tumbling his house down around his ears. But many a man is wilfully engaged day after day in grubbing away the moral foundations of his house with the pickaxe and mattock of hard words and unprincipled acts; and his wife instead of trying to stop the work of demolition by softening means, which most women know how to use, she goes to work hammer and tongs (to use a common phrase denoting recklessness) and soon great will be the fall of that house.”

The causes of domestic jars and jangles, ad infinitum is lack of love. There is no doubt of that. If the cause of a physical ailment was as clear to a doctor he would not have much difficulty in treating his patient. I will copy a prescription from a book of truth which would if honestly applied effectually cure family feuds in the worst households in the world. "Love one another”. That is the remedy I prescribe and I wish I could induce every body to try it. Some unhappy ones may perhaps exclaim in the misery of their helplessness "Oh! We can’t do that for the devil is in our home”! Then I would say try prayer and fasting” and I reverently assert on the highest authority that the devil will soon flee out of the house and peace will enter in and dwell there.

J.R.H.

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"Do you love me?”

Do you love me, tell me truly,
The deep meaning of that smile,
Does it mean that I am dearest,
Or but friendly all the while,
Like the stars that softly glisten
Over all beneath their ray,
Or a beacon brightly beaming,
Safely guides me on my way?

Do you love me, is the pressure
Of you hand, that sends a thrill
To my heart, when e’re I clasp it
Given without thought of ill.
Is it but your joyous nature,
Making all around you bright,
Free to all who court its favours
From your heart of heart so light.

Do you love me are the glances,
That I cherish from those eyes,
Granted freely to all comers
Or what I alone may prize
Say you love me once for ever
Tell you love me ere we part
Tell me this Oh! tell me darling
I’m the loved one of your heart.

W. Williams

Ship’s Report

Date	Longitude	Latitude	Course	Distnc	Bar	Ther.
Novr.24	0°10’E.	39°36’S.	S.82°E.	153 miles	30.05	58
27	1°58’ "	39°51’ "	N.86°E.	85 "	30.08	58
28	6°8’ "	40°23’ "	S.75°E.	198 "	29.91	59
29	10°48’ "	40°31’ "	S.78°E	214 "	29.91	59
30	16°31’ "	40°59’ "	S.84°E.	260 "	29.91	61 1/2
Dec-01	20°35’ "	40°42’ "	N.85°E.	185 "	30.14	63
2	21°41’ "	41°4’ "	S.66°E.	55	29.9	62

Signed J.F. Shardlow
Chief Officer

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Folk Song

From the forecastle

Fare you well I wish you well
        Chorus to be repeated after every line

Hurrah sing fare you well

To London town we have bid adieu
And to our friends so kind and true,
So down the Channel we did steer,
And the Eddystone light did soon appear,
For Plymouth town we then did steer,
And some of our passengers feeling queer
When the steam boat came to give us a tow,
We striped off her muslin to let him go,
But something gave way in his hold below
And the brute he let our hawser go,
Which made the sailors pray you know
But we got in that harbour safe and sound
And dropped our anchor on the ground,
And there we laid for four long days,
And when the Captain came on board
Heave up the anchor he did say
And from Plymouth harbour we sailed that day,
And down the Channel again did steer,
Till the Lands End did disappear,
Hurrah my boys be of good cheer,
For she’s an English ship with an English crew
And an English Captain and officers too,
So we are bound away round the Cape
And from strong gales we have got to escape,
Then to the Eastward we will steer,
Then Sydney heads will next appear,
And then our passengers will cheer,
So let the wind blow high or low
The Parramatta has got to go,
So now my song is nearly done,
And I hope that I have offended none
But just as good friends as when I begun
So fare you well I wish you well.

                W. Williams

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"Chums”

In my former article on "Chairs” I mentioned the word "Chums” an appellation which to some of us may sound somewhat strange and peculiar and as we are all likely to be included in that generic term before long, if we are not so already, I intend now to say a word or two on this subject.

"Chum” is derived from the French "Chambre” and is applied generally in England to your boon companions or most literally to the person who lives in the same room with you. In Calcutta nearly all the young unmarried men live together in con [?] of five or six and their dwelling is called a "Chummery” which is really the French "Chambre” and consequently the men themselves are chums with one another. In Australia the term is more universally applied and all are either "Old or New Chums” as the case may be. A man who has resided in the Colony for some time is an "old chum” and a greenhorn griffin or new arrival is dubbed a "New Chum”.

I shall confine myself in this article to the Genus Homo, "old chum”. There are several varieties of the species of a pleasing and others of an anything but agreeable nature. One of the best specimens of old chum is the man who has resided in the Colonies for some years knocked about in all classes of society there and in other parts of the world as well and perhaps made one or more voyages to and from the Old Country.

He may generally be spotted by his quiet steady demeanour not unmixed with a little of that "bonhomie” which a man always acquires

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in knocking about the world.

On board ship you will find that he has soon settled himself down in his berth and fallen into the routine of life at sea. As a rule there is nothing peculiar in his attire to mark him as an "old chum” but there is a general air or appearance about him which stamps him at once as one who has been aboard before. If he is a smoker you will nearly always find him doing a constitutional up and down the deck after breakfast and enjoying h is pipe "or weed”, at the same time or between meals ensconced in some quiet nook reading or conversing quietly with some fellow voyager with whom he has made acquaintance. This species of "old chum” may be readily recognised by the quiet tone of his conversation and the simple unostentatious manner in which he replies to any query put to him about the colonies or his former voyages.

If he is a young man he generally enters early in the voyage into any of the little games or amusements which may be got up on board or if more advanced in life may at times be found playing a quiet game at chess or draughts on deck or enjoying a quiet rubber of whist in the saloon in the evening.

This is one of the best specimens of "old chum” and a man whose acquaintance I would advise all new to a sea voyage or the colonies to cultivate as out from whom a great fund of amusement and information may be obtained. Having given a short description of the old genus "Old chum” agreeable I have now to come to the less pleasing part of my work and describe the "old chum” disagreeable. Among "old chums”

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[page missing]

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The Petrel Papers

No. 6 Saturday, December 16, 1882

A month hence where shall we all be? By "We” is meant all those on board the ship "Parramatta” journeying to Sydney. Most of us scattered few perhaps to meet again. To some the separation will come as a relief to the tedium of the voyage. To others, but these will be in the minority we presume, some regret will be at leaving their home of the past three months.

Some of our covoyagers are returning to their Southern homes after having paid a visit to the land of their nativity; which with the perversity of human nature they will persist in calling "home”. Others, natives of the South have been with parents to visit "The Old Countrie”, for the first time and are returning to what they will ever feel is home no matter what the parent may think or feel. To these we shall wish a hearty God-speed and look forward possibly to some pleasing friendly intercourse in the future.

The bulk however of the passengers and many of the crew go out to settle in the Colonies – all hoping we presume, to do well in these prosperous lands, the children of the Mother country. To these latter we would, we hope without being considered presumptuous, offer a little kindly advice and counsel. To some these colonies may now appear to be an "El Dorado” – To many we hope it may prove such and that with riches well used they may be greatly blessed.

Success in any new land requires a few special qualifications for its attainments amongst these will be found in the first rank energy and

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perseverance; but we may remind fresh settlers in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, or elsewhere in Australia; that though they cannot do without these special qualities, still they must remember they owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the earlier pioneers of these colonies who have made the path of the recent settlers a comparatively smooth one. Few who know what the early struggle was in New South Wales will gainsay this; they, the earlier pioneers fought their way through poverty and hardships of every kind, including famine finally elevating the colony to its present highly prosperous condition. In addition to energy and perseverance, of primary importance is sobriety and steadiness of character – The bane of the otherwise successful young colonists often is the intemperate habits and bad example of those with whom he is brought in contact by his business or otherwise. We should not wish it to be thought that we hare here simply advocating total abstinence principles; but we may say, that, the man or woman either, who never drinks can never become intemperate. The usually fast life of the average colonial youth is the main cause of the marring of so many bright young lives that might possibly have otherwise proved shining examples of success. Do not for heavens sake accept their dictum of the young sot who thinks it is the correct thing to drink his bottle of ardent spirits per diem; and acts upon what he thinks. It may appear large and loud to be able to brag you can do this, but it lays the seed of disease and is a fruitful cause of early death; when should not this occur, the habit may grow upon you, as it invariably does; the result being loss of position, character and everything the undegraded human being holds most dear. We can assure you this no overdrawn picture, for there are thousands of young fellows in the colonies ruining both body and soul by the immoderate use of spirits. If not total

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abstainers, let us pray you to be very moderate in your drinking habits, and especially in the use of spirituous liquors, which are more baneful in a hot climate, than in colder regions. Then as to steadiness, this seems to us to include all the other qualities that go to make up the successful business or professional man, punctuality, energy, perseverance, honesty, sobriety and the hundred and one other minor attributes must be involved in this and without the possession of which no man can be a really good citizen of the world.

Finally a childlike trust in and a regular appeal to the Fountain of all Goodness for help and daily guidance is the only means of combining true happiness with the success we hope all may attain.

The Transit of Venus 1882

We thought good on Tuesday the 5th Inst. To post notices about the ship of which the following is a copy.

"Transit of Venus”

"It may be of interest to some on board the Parramatta to know that the by no means frequent occurrence of the Transit of the Planet Venus across the Suns disc will take place tomorrow (December 6th) and that it is possible it may be visible from the position the ship is then in.” Calculating the time from the position of the ship at noon today, the external contact of ingress will take place about 4.30 p.m. the internal contact of ingress being completed in about 21 minutes later. The entire passage will occupy 6 hours and sixteen minutes, it will there not terminate untill near upon 11.0 p.m.; of course this is some hours after the sun will have set; therefore the latter part of the passage and the egress will not be seen in

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this part of the world; but under favourable circumstances it may be viewed from the time of ingress until sun down.”

We think it well to caution all those who attempt to make observations that the unprotected eye should not on any account be used for this purpose or disastrous results may ensue.”
                Ed. P.P.

Petrel Paper’s Office
        Dec. 5th 1882

The Transit

When in Latitude 40°12’S Longitude 41°48’E on the afternoon of the 6th of December 1882, great interest was shown by almost every one on board turning out after dinner to witness what could be seen of the transit of Venus. We first observed that contact had taken place at 5.5 pm where the appearance of the phenomenon was seen thus.

The Planet very slowly passed on to the face of the Sun and was splendidly visible from an hour and a half to two hours; but unfortunately when the Sun got down to within an hour and a half of setting the horizon became cloudy and the remaining portion of the transit which might have been visible to us during daylight became obscured. From the great interest then evinced a few particulars as to what this phenomenon means may be of some slight interest to our readers.

The first question which will be asked is naturally; why are observers sent vast distances at immense cost with such elaborate scientific apparatus, to different points of advantage to note this phenomenon? It is because these transits of Venus are of the greatest value to astronomers.

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for the means they afford of determining the Suns distance from the Earth. Observations are made from various points, placing the Sun at certain angles to different observers. The time is accurately noted at which from these places of observations is seen to take place; then accurate calculation is made as to the exact angle at which ingress or egress takes place from the different angles of impingement further calculations can be made as to the distance of the planets involved. This is technically termed the parallactic displacement which may be explained in simple language by the following illustration.

"When two bodies at different distances are seen on the same straight line the nearer seems to be shifted relatively to the other by a shift in the spectator’s position, but in the opposite direction. If each body be moved twice its distance from the spectator, thus keeping the distances in the same proportion the amount of the shift will be halved, whilst if they be each brought to half their original distances it will be doubled. If then the proportion of these distances is known the shift or parallactic displacement will enable us to determine both these distances”.

There have been during the last 251 years the following Transits of Venus which always take place either in June or December :- viz: Decr 1131, Decr 1639, June 1761[?], June 1769, Decr 1874 – Decr 1882. The next two will occur in December of 2004 and 2012 respectively.

The Transit of 1874 crossed the Northern part of the Sun’s face in a North-Westerly direction; that of 1882 was also in a North West direction but over the south part of the Suns face.

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Valuable information will have been permanently recorded in the recent transit by the means of Photography, as pictures will have been taken of the Sun with Venus as a black on his face. These well be taken at the different stations of observation and will be made use of for comparison and from which very accurate measurements can be obtained. The great advantage of these photographs will be that they can be examined with great care afterwards.
Ed P.P.

How old Mrs. Bruce saved a Sweep’s fee.

"I never did see such a fidget as you are about fire” said Mrs Bruce to her husband, when he warned her of the risk of shaking a flickering candle end into the burning grate. We have lived in this house five years or more and have never been burnt out; yet you are continually cautioning me, as if I did not know the fat would flare up.”

"Nothing like being careful Jane. Though we have happily escaped fire this far, we might be burnt out this very night accidental fires usually come unexpectedly. It is our duty to be watchful you know.”

"Poogh! That is what you are always preaching to me. I am sure you might have saved the pounds and pounds we have paid the insurance company for about thirty years. We never had a mishap with fire; so all that policy money as you call it is as good as thrown away. Ugh! Bad policy that, I think!”

"Well my dear the comfort we have had all these years in knowing that we were insured against loss is worth something anyway. And now let me remind you again, I think, that this parlour fire wants sweeping.” "I am sure you are mistaken there John. It was swept only at the beginning of last winter, and horrid sweep charged me three shillings for doing it. Merely half an hours work! I did grudge the money uncommonly.”

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"Sweeping a chimney is a dirty job Jane; and I think a[?] man ought to be paid pretty well for it. It is my opinion that a flue ought to be swept winter if not oftener, when there is a coal fire in the grate every day. Better be sure than sorry’ is a good old maxim. Shall I call as I go into town and tell the sweep to come tomorrow morning early and clear out all the flues in the house that are in use?” "No indeed John! That would cost seventeen and six pence. I have a better use for the money than paying it to a sweep.” "Excuse me for saying that I do not think your system of economy is altogether a safe one, Jane.”

"You can’t teach me economy, Bruce, for you never had any practice. But I do wish you would leave all these little petty domestic matters to me. I will get the flues swept when they want it, never fear. I don’t see why Sarah can not sweep them all down with a long handled broom. "

"I should be sorry for you to ask the girl to do such a smutty[?] job, Jane. If you did she would very likely give you notice to leave, and I would not blame her either. Sweeping flues is not girls work.”

"Well don’t you bother your head about the flues, or about the servant girl either Bruce. You go and attend to your own business, like a wise man. Managing the home is my business you know. If there is one thing that I hate more than another it is to see a man fussing and molly-codling[?] about trumpery things in the house that he ought to be above meddling with.”

"Very well, very well; do as you like my dear only if the house should be catch fire when I am from home save my writing desk. That is all I ask you to do.” Mr Bruce then went into the city, musing as he went on the constitutional firmness of his wife. Notwithstanding his life long efforts to make her pliable, she was as unbending as a dry shinbone. One morning about six weeks after the foregoing colloquy took place, Mr Bruce was awakened by soon after day break by an unusual knocking in the parlour beneath some thing like a blacksmith making an iron gate and he naturally asked his wife what the noise meant. "Oh it is only our new housemaid lighting the parlour fire John.”

Lighting the fire indeed! Why she is surely hammering the grate to pieces. I never heard a girl make so much noise in our house before.”

She is only raking the cinders out of the fire grate with the poker. Its all right I tell you, she must rake

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the ashes out you know. She will drop the poker in a minute. Lie down Bruce and dont fidget.”

Mrs Bruce said this in a pettish tone. The truth is she was vexed with herself for parting with her old careful servant Sally, but she did not like to confess that her new girl was stupidly useless, because Mr Bruce had demurred to her sending Sally away merely because she burnt too much coal in the kitchen. But Betsey was careless and dirty as Sally was clean and careful, and Mrs Bruce had begun to find out the troublesome difference between a good servant and a bad one. Again Mr Bruce grumbled at the noisy maid below, and once more his wife curtly bad him lie still and go to sleep. Presently a peculiarly startling noise was heard like a hurricane on top of the house, and in another minute there was a sharp rapping at the back gate. "What on earth is the matter now?” Exclaimed Mr Bruce jumping out of bed and throwing up his bedroom window. "Hello who is rapping at our gate?”

"It is old Mr Doles, next door, what does he want at this time of the day?” Said Mrs Bruce sitting up in bed. "Hist! Hold your tongue Jane. I cant hear what the man says. What is it you want Mr Doles?”

"I am sorry to disturb you Mr Bruce but are you aware that your parlour chimney is on fire?”

"Hey! What? Fire! Bless my soul! Jane jump up! Confound it all! Where’s my shirt? Bah! What[?] are you screaming for woman? Find me my dressing gown. Quick! Quick! Quick!”

At that moment Betsey shouted from the foot of the stairs "The chimbley’s afire mum!”

To describe the fright of Mr & Mrs Bruce would be no easy task and it is perhaps best not to report all their excited sayings, or to notice the ludicrous exchanges of garments they made in their frantic haste to get coverings of some kind. Downstairs they raced as though the house was on fire upstairs, and looking anything but pretty figures.

Fetch me a wet mop Betsey! run girl run! said Mr Bruce, the moment he entered the parlour. The terrified girl rushed out of the room, and tumbled

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over a policeman who was rushing in, but she soon got[?] up again; and hastened back with a mop and a bucket of water, Mr Bruce then began to mop up the lump of red hot soot that were falling down the flue on to the floor, and Mrs Bruce began to cry because her hearth rug and carpet were being ruined. Just then a man with a paper cap on darted upstairs, and through the back attic window on to the roof and began to tear the shingles off the roof with furious zeal. No doubt some of the shingles had caught on fire but he was evidently bent on stripping the whole house top, by the determined way he worked at it, but he accidentally fell down the roof and hurt his knee against the parapet wall so he limped downstairs again disabled. In the meantime a crowd of loafers and larrikins gathered in the front garden, all anxious to begin to save the household effects but they were checked in their advances by the batons of the policemen. Just as the fire was dulling down for lack of soot a fireman arrived in a cab with a hand engine and he soon extinguished the last spark. Two engines arrived soon afterwards one drawn by four horses and the other by about fifty men and boys, but they were not needed – the fire was out.

When Mr Bruce could with safety leave the parlour he went out and most sternly rebuked the mob in the front for trespassing on his garden and treading down all his choice flowers and shrubs. If he had been clad in his usual out-of door dress his appearance in his own verandah might have had a restraining influence on the noisy rabble, but he could not expect a respectful hearing from them arrayed as he was in his flannel drawers and his wife’s red mantle with his face and his night cap begrimed with soot, and a wet mop in his grasp. The mob roared with delight at his clownish look. But Mr Bruce was extremely wrath. The policemen were tickled but they manfully kept their laughter from breaking out.

The outside excitement was all over in about an hour but there disorder enough inside the house to keep Mrs Bruce excited for the whole day. Silly Betsey confessed that she had used kerosene to light up the fire, but she did not mean to set the flue blazing. Betsey got notice to leave the house instantly. She demurred to going away without a weeks wages so the money was paid her, and she departed to seek some other family who were in want of a "good general servant” It is to be hoped that the family who hired her have their furniture insured and that they will keep their kerosene tin under lock and key.

(94)

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Twas a fortnight before the loss of that mishap could be[?] intimated[?] for the carpenter (who by the way was the son of the man with the paper cap) who made a long job of repairing the shingles on the roof, and the mason was longer than he need have been in finding a new chimney pot and doing sundry repairs to ceiling plaster which had been dislodged by the water from the hand engine. The back attic sash had also to be replaced by a new one, besides two panes of glass in the parlour French light which Mr Bruce broke with the mop handle. At length the sum total of damages was seen to be £21.11s.4d. That amount included the fee or fine for the fire engines, but it was exclusive of damage to the parlour carpet and the chimney ornaments. The damage to the flower garden could not be ascertained by any monetary gauge, and it is not likely that any of the valuable pot plants stolen by the larrikins will ever be brought back again. It is not easy to satisfy the man who hurt his knee by sliding down the roof but Mr Bruce hopes to do so without going to law. It is thus far clear that independently of collateral or contingent damages the cost of that pretty fire was not small and even Mrs Bruce herself admits that it would have been much cheaper to employ a sweep to clean the parlour flue out though he had charged three shillings for the job.

Some incredulous housewives may possibly say that it is only a fancy sketch of mine. I would not stop to argue the point with them but I certainly would advise them to take warning by the costly experience of Mrs Bruce; for as a rule, they will find it more economical and far safer, to get their chimneys properly swept than to burn the soot out of them.
J.R.H.

Ship’s Report.

[not transcribed]

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"Chums”
In my last article I devoted myself to giving the readers of the "Petrel Papers” a description of the genus homo "Old Chum” and today I intend to endeavour to depict for you the other phrase I mentioned "New Chums” which may like the other species be divided into two classes agreeable and disagreeable. In an outward bound ship, you will find both kinds pretty freely distributed about the vessel and it will perhaps be rather difficult to say which of the two kinds predominates; but I think if the census were taken the latter would carry off the palm.

I shall begin my subject as before with the "New Chum” agreeable. It is perhaps not an easy matter to spot this species immediately on his coming on board, but if you are of at all an observant nature you will soon find him out. At first he keeps himself pretty much to himself and if he happens to be quartered with old chum leaves his berth and luggage to the disposal or arrangement of his companion and acquiesces quickly to any suggestion he may make as to their final settlement. His attire is as a rule new, and from this his character may generally be inferred. It is unobtrusive and free from those new fangled fads which untravelled men are so often fond of. He will at the early stage of the voyage be found sitting or lounging quietly about the deck and if by chance he find his way on the forecastle from the poop before the vessel has left the channel you may at once know him by his not pestering the pilot by numerous insane questions regarding the weather and the position of the ship. Many and numerous are the longing looks he casts towards the receding shores of Old England leaning over the rail as the vessel finally leaves the land; that is if he has recovered from the effects of that horror of all voyagers new to the sea, I mean "Mal de mer” or as it is more vulgarly called seasickness. From this he generally does recover soon for he has the good sense to know that it is of no use to overload the stomach with food until the brain has become accustomed to the erratic movements of the ship. A little biscuit or food of the simplest kind usually satisfies him until he finds his sea appetite and in a measure his sea legs. Gradually as that feeling of homesickness which we must all have experienced mor or less leaves him

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he begins to enter into conversation with his fellow passengers, and the amusements common on board ship; and though he must be in a measure new to most of the latter his quiet observance of the how when and where to do a thing enables him to become proficient in most of the games long before many of the New Chums companions have even got an inkling of what has to be done. By the time the vessel has been a couple of weeks from London he will have quietly settled himself down to the mode of life at sea, and except from his quietly inquiring now and then concerning something nautical, or the progress of the voyage you might not know that he had never been a long voyage before. He soon becomes a favourite with all on board from the Captain to the ship’s boy among the crew, and from the Right Honourable Mr Red Tape Sealing Wax to Timothy-any-thing-more-for-you-today marm, among the passengers. If there were more of this kind of "New Chum” and of the "Old Chum” greeable[?] on board ship, how very different would be a long sea voyage from what it frequently is; many of the jars[?] and disagreeables that always crop up on board ship might be avoided, and the unavoidable tedium and monotony of such a journey relieved and the happiness and contentment of officers passengers and crew greatly enhanced. But I am moralizing I find, so must return to my subject. I now come to speaking of the other specimens of "New Chum”. I mean the species "dis”agreeable”. There is no trouble in discovering him for even the tyro on board ship can easily make humour. As soon as he comes on board even before the vessel has left the dock his habits and mode of going about betray the individual. If you happen by ill chance to be quartered in the same berth with him I am sorry for you. He immediately takes possession if he can of the best bunk and position for his lares and penates and of these he has not a few. Any suggestion you may make as to the disposition of his or your luggage and belongings are sure to be met with his disapproval or at least some other suggestion for their final adjustment, and you may esteem yourself particularly fortunate if your quarters are not turned into a stop clothiers or a ship chandlers shop, before you have had time to

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to fairly turn yourself round. On deck he soon makes himself particularly agreeable to the Captain and officers, by his numerous questions regarding the vessel, the course and the probable or improbable state of the weather. One of the earliest traits by which you may know him is his undeviating attention to the pleasures of the table and their invariable consequences on first coming to sea. As soon as the vessel gets into roughish water the demon of the sea seizes him and after each meal and at various intervals between he is in the throes of sea sickness, the period of which is greatly prolonged by his rigidly disregarding the case of our friend New Chum greeable as regards the quantity of food he takes. You are not safe in your berth for at all times and at all seasons the door is liable to be burst open and he launches himself and the contents of his stomach in, upon and over you with an ardour which is certainly the reverse of agreeable. Even on deck you are not free from this kind of persecution for if he happen to be taken suddenly ill there he invariable rushes to the weather side of the rail, with consequences disasterous to his own clothing, and of any unfortunate passenger who may be standing near. This kind of New Chum may also be known by his dress, which is often of the most outré description. His caps and hats are numerous and as for pockets their nauce[?] is legion, and on getting into the tropics his attire and head gear often make him resemble a mountebank a travelling judge rather than a decent Englishman at sea. His pockets are a perfect museum of appliances for use at sea or in the bush as he fondly imagines. Another peculiarity of this kind of new Chum is his intense eagerness to be prime mover in any kind of amusements that may be proposed in the way of Concert or theatrical performances utterly regardless of his fitness or otherwise for so onerous or delicate a post. His suggestions on this head are never advances quietly or modestly; but his word is to be law if people will submit to it; which is fortunately not often the case. Another weakness of his is an incurable habit of coming and seating himself down beside you, or looking over your shoulder when you are occupied in any work either sketching, painting or writing, and, and his remarks there are always made with a freedom which would

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be highly commendable were they not of so generally objectionable and ignorant a nature. He also has a trait in common with his friend "Old Chum” disagreeable which is his strident voice which may always be heard either on deck or below high above those of the surrounding conversers and his opinions are always advanced as incontrovertible. A further peculiarity distinctive of this "New Chum” is a constant tendency to enquire impertinent questions about yourself, station in life or forbears which if you resent in the least is sure to cause him to take great umbrage thereat, and should he not succeed in obtaining the required information from you he will go ferreting about the ship until he manages to worm it out of some friend who has been unwary enough to be taken off is guard. I fancy the reason he is so delighted in this sort of thing is that he is never so happy as when he is confiding to some poor unfortunate the whole story of his life, marriage, illness, petty escapades or in fact anything that m ay happen to crop up about himself in conversation.

If space would allow I might enter into many other peculiarities of this genus of chum but I fear I ust draw to a close. Before finishing I may say that how ever objectionable our friend may be on his first voyage he almost invariable tones down and becomes a more rational member of society after a few years residence in the colonies.

Victor Secundus

Entertainment

An entertainment took place on the 30th ultimo and was like all the previous efforts of our kind fellow passengers to give u s a pleasant evening’s amusement a decided success.

It being St Andrew’s day as some lady or gentleman of Scottish proclivities had remembered, the music of the evening was devoted to that nation, followed by Burn’s poem "Tam O’Shanter” read by Captain Goddard and illustrated by a series of five tableaux.

An overture of Scottish airs having been effectivally rendered by Mr Odling[?], Mrs Cunningham gave the first-song on the Programme, "When the Rye comes home, which was encored, She then sang "Ye Banks and Braes”. Miss Gillam and Mr Michael then gave the duet Hunting Tower with very good dramatic effect and received

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a well deserved encore. Miss Cockerill was to have a "Robin Adair” but she begged to be excused. Mr Michael followed with "The Bailin[?] a’ the door, he was encored and repeated the last verse. Miss Horsfall then sang "The Keel[?] row”. The last song "Scots wha’ wi’ Wallace bled” was given by the Redv. E.J. Spencer. This was also encored. A few Scotch airs on the violin by Miss Vinter finished the first part of the entertainment.

Then came Captain Goddards reading of Tam O’Shanter and the tableaux illustrating it. Tab. I Tams Cottage in which appeared Miss Cockerill as one "Sulky sullen dame”. She looked the character and was heartily applauded. Tab. II "The Alehouse” Characters "Tam O’Shanter (Mr Michael) "Souter Johnnie” (Mr Seville) – Landlord (Mr D’arcy Goddard), Landlady (Miss Edwards). This scene was very well got up and a very loud call for a second rise of the curtain which was complied with.

Tab. III Kirk Alloway. Character "Old Nick” (Mr Ottewill) "Tam O”Shanter” (Mr Michael) – "Witches” (Mrs Cunningham) & Miss Churchward) Warlocks (Messrs Field Odlng & Trigdown). The audience were rather startled by the get up of the witches and warlaocks; but when that wore off the tableaux got the applause it so well merited. Tab. IV Kirk Alloway. Tab. V The Brig o’ Dee – Miss Gillam appeared in these two scenes as "Nannie” the other characters being represented as before. Miss Gillam’s clever step dance was the chief feature of these two scenes – and in the latter she exhibited the trophy A ‘Saur’s’ horses’ tail, she fairly brought down the house.

The programme was brought to a close by the singing of "Auld Land Syne” by the whole company. As there was still a little time to spare before the carriages were due Captain Goddard kindly filled up the gap by reading, Burns’ "Cotters Saturday Night” in fine style. This entertainment was one of the best we have had. We would suggest that if the ladies would stand in the centre of the stage when singing it would be an improvement. We must not omit to mention Miss Moultons kindness in accompanying all the songs, which was highly appreciated.

"Excalibur”

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The Christmas number

Of

The Petrel Papers

No. 7. Saturday, December 23, 1882

We are to spend Christmas at sea; most possibly the New Year will also find us upon the waters. At this joyous Christmastide, we with the kindly feelings that should always be more than usually prominent at this time of the year, deem it the most seasonable opportunity to bid our readers farewell, with every good[?] wish for their welfare and happiness in the future. We have to thank a few of our covoyagers for the cordial and ready help they have ever accorded to us in response to the appeal issued in the first number of these papers; we regret that this help however has been confined to so few, and that those for whom we might reasonably have expected material assistance, have been rather behind hand in affording it. Throughout we have striven to keep the magazine entirely free from personalities; and we believe that aim has been fully realized.

We should we think be considered remiss and be lacking in point of duty if we were not to name especially some of our contributors in this expression of our thanks. To the gentleman who under the initials of his name, J.R.H. has been so regular a contributor to these pages we are deeply indebted. Only [?] of our issues has been made up without some help from his pen. We look upon this as somewhat of a compliment for we are betraying no confidence in saying, that J.R.H. is no other than "Old Boomerang”, a colonial author of xonsiderable repute and it is under this "nom de plume” that our talented and genial friend Mr Houlding has placed his writings before the literary world for years past. Next to Mr Houlding, to "Victor Secundus” we owe our hearty thanks for his most ready help [?] ever appealed to for the same; his contributions have been highly interesting and singularly apropos to such a

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Write need be ashamed of the child of his pen.

From Captain Goddard we have ever received the most ready and courteous assistance and it must not be forgotten that he has supplied us with the paper upon which the journal has been transcribed – To Mr Shardlow we tender our best thanks for the official report regularly supplied to us as to the ship’s position. To several members of the crew, are due our warmest thanks for their contributions which always appear to have been furnished to us with so hearty a good-will that we have felt the obligation thus conferred upon us to have been considerable.

Mr Ottewill has kindly handed us the manuscripts of his original songs etcetera which from their insertion in these pages have we opine added considerably to the pleasure of our readers. Lastly though not least we are pleased to acknowledge a paper contributed to the present number by our old friend Mr Cudworth who as he is travelling for the benefit of his health we have felt constrained not to [?] in this direction; but as a very well known contributor to the press of the West Riding of Yorkshire and the author of several works of great local value in that district, as well as having a vast knowledge of the "Folklore” of the great county of York we have always felt that could his pen have been laid under contribution for the benefit of the "Petrel Papers” it would have been an immense gain t his readers. The Christmas story he now contributes is but the skeleton of what it would otherwise have been had we not limited its length from our lack of space.

The production of these papers has entailed a great deal of labout, and it would often have been much pleasanter and more congenial t our tasks to have spent the time devoted t their production on the poop joining in the recreations to be had on board ship or enjoying the sunshine of our pleasant voyage rather than stewing and broiling in the stern cabin where at times writing has been anything but an agreeable or easy task. Some days out chair has had to be lashed close to the table and whilst writing with one hand we have had to hold on with the other. This will account at times for the extraordinaruy calligraphic productions in parts of the papers and for which we need make no further apology than to say that at times writing has been almost an impossibility.

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[indecipherable] amusement of our fellow travellers, or tender to reduce the tedium of the voiyage we are satisfied – for as we said at first we hoped for kindly forbearance and charitable criticisms of a production teeming with imperfections, as amateurs we have done our best, and from this stand point hope we may be judged. Wishing each and all contributors and readers – officers passengers and crew a Merry Christmas and a happy and bright New Year with many such to follow – Adieu.

A Christmas Carol

Near Nineteen hundred hears ago
In a lowly stable
A child was born in Bethlehem
Manger for his cradle.

The angelic voices this proclaims
To shepherds in the fields
A thousand trumpets aid the strain
And fear to reason yields.

A brilliant star shines out afar
To shepherds points the way
In Bethlehem they straight arrive
Their homage due to pay.

To God in the Highest Glory be
So sang the heavenly host,
On earth be peace, goodwill to me
From God the Holy Ghost

Wise magi then their offerings bring.
Gold frankincense and myrrh
Also by that star they be guided
From eastern lands afar.

This wondrous child was Jesus Christ
A Prophet Priest and King
Born both a Prince and Saviour too
To him your praises bring.

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God the Father, God the
To the blest God head three in one
Rise praise from every host.

Decr. 19th 1882 John Maffey L.R.Ct.[?]

Christmas at Sea 1882

Once more the Holy Season
Of Christmas tide is here
Telling the old sweet story
Of a Saviour’s love so dear

In the manger bed at Bethlehem
The infant Christ doth lie;
And the humble shepherds worship
With wondering loving eye.

No room for the lowly infant
In the world he came to save;
But He the willing gift
Of our hearts love doth crave.

Welcome, thrice welcome,
Though far from our home
The news is the same
A Saviour has come

No church bells’ joyous ringing
Can gladden us today
Sailing across the Ocean
From land so far away.

But we can add new praises
To our glad Christmas song
As nearing now the Harbour
For which we used to long.

We thank our loving Father
For mercies fresh and new;
As we sing the Christmas story
Of love so rich and true.

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Far from our friends [?]
Their hearts still with ours meet
Bringing us nearer together
This Christmas-tide to greet.

Ring joyous bells
We know what you say
Though your peals cannot reach us
This Christmas day.

December 20th. 1882 S. Spencer.

My Christmas Gift

What’s the best thing I can offer,
As a gift for you today
Any present I may proffer
You will value it you say,
That is very sweetly spoken,
Yet however that may be,
I would wish to choose the token
Carefully – so let us see.

Shall I send a nosegay dearest?
Ah! The summer flowers are dead
And the leaves are in their serest,
And the fruit has lost its red,
And besides, the flowers would perish,
Lose their scent, and fade and die,
But a gift for you to cherish
Should be more than petals dry.

Shall I send a pretty present?
Something tasteful, something rare,
Something to the senses pleasant,
Something quaint or something fair?
Yet perhaps you would not choose it
If the choice could rest with you
And some day perhaps you’d lose it
Or the thing would break in two.

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Shall I send you for your reading
Some loved book of noble thought,
Spirit stirring, Spirit leading,
Teaching what you would be taught?
Yet perhaps upon the morrow
I might learn t’was yours before.
Or someday a friend might borrow,
To return it never-more.

What if today should send you
Something of my very own,
No one else can give or lend you,
No one ask for on a loan
Something that still will be waking
Where the flowers in dust are strewed
Something far too strong for breaking
And you can’t lose if you would.

"Love” – I send you, very tender,
Everlasting, ever true,
That will shew you how the sender
Thinks and cares and feels for you
And when life is at its dreariest
Or when outside things look grey
May my fadeless present dearest
Point you to a brighter day!

Dec. 21. 1882 M.M.N. per A. Horsfall

Correspondence

20th December 1882

To the Editor of the Petrel Papers

Dear Sir,

Our last Christy Minstrel entertainment will (D.V.) take place in the Saloon on the evening of December 26th (Boxing-Night) on which occasion we trust our humble efforts will be rewarded with a full house. By inserting this as a note in your paper you will oblige.

Yours respectfully

Herbert S. Ottewill

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Recollections of a Christmas Eve in Fiji,

By J.R.H.

I was a passenger in a brig which was lying windbound in the harbour of Rewa on the day before Christmas twenty years ago. A vessel laden with cocoanut oil and other island produce is seldom very clean and never pleasantly odoriferous. By going to my cabin I might has escaped the Suns tropical glare, but the stench from the cargo in the hold made the atmosphere below decks almost unbearable. Three was no probability of the vessel getting out of the harbour that day, so I determined to go shell gathering to the little island of New Kalau which was about a mile from our anchorage. There was an empty boat lying alongside which h ad brought down a load of cocoanuts from Matai Suava and the owner of the boat kindly offered me the loan of it, and also allowed his native man to accompany me, and the oars were long and ill shaped, but with the wind abeam and the tide in favour I had no difficulty in reaching the island. As my man could not understand more than a word or two of English and I knew only a few of the Fijian language he was not very companionable, so I left him in charge of the boat, while I travelled round the seaward side of the island, to see if there were any shells worth picking up. I had not gone far beyond sight of the boat, when I saw about a dozen native men coming from the scrub towards me. They were all completely naked and their faces were smeared with black paint, [?] had sticks in their hands. They [?] miserable[?] enough still I did not feel the least trepidation[?] . I had recently had several month’s experience [?] of the Friendly Isles (about 200 miles to the eastward of Fiji) – had scrambled about the rocks and sea shore in perfect freedom, and had not on any occasion been molested or unpleasantly interfered with: on the contrary, I met with much kindness and more general hospitality than I experienced during my [?] to the centre of the worlds civilisation a few years before. It is scarcely necessary to state that Fiji twenty years ago was not so popular as it is at the present day and there were then but very few Europeans settled in the neighbourhood of Rewa.
In happy unconsciousness of personal risk I walked towards the naked men and said "Las-la-toma”[?]. They returned my greeting and then gathered round me and began to finger parts of my attire that struck their fancy. Still I put it

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down as childlike simplicity, and was rather amused at[?] the liberties they took with me. My watch guard seemed to be specially attractive, so I pulled out my watch (which was a repeater) and held it to the ear of one of the men, which set the minutes chiming. My watch had made many Tongan natives elevate their brows and open their eyes with delight and wonder, so I tried the effect on the savage Fijians. They expressed their satisfaction by a serios of howls as each man held his ear to be tingled[?] with the sound. After seeing them go through various warlike antics via their clubs I continued my walk along the beach followed however at a distance by two of the natives who were dwarfs or manikins not much more than four feet in height and of very repulsive features. On my return towards the boat the group again emerged from the scrub, and again[?] they wanted to hear my watch strike: but I was anxious to get back to the ship as evening was approaching and the wind had freshened and as they were becoming too familiar I thought it best to get away from them as fast as I could. I felt rather glad when I was again in sight of the ship.

When I got into the boat I gave the bow oar to my man and took the other myself and pushed off. But I soon perceived that my mate was not an expert at paddling[?] an oar against wind and tide. He had strength enough and was very willing to use it but he had not the practical skill as an oarsman. In putting forth his jerky power, he soon broke a thole pin; and before I could clear the hole out and put in a new pin the boat had drifted some distance to leeward. "Now pull steadily my boy” I said as I shipped his oar again. He evidently did not understand my order, or did not know how to pull steadily; at it he went full steam and the thole pin broke again and went overboard. I had no pins to replace it so I took the end of the painter and made a grummel[?] or loop for the oar to work over the pin. By the time I had accomplished this little manoeuvre and changed places with my man, the boat had drifted still further to leeward and into rough water. My man made desperate drives with his oar and caught several "crabs” but there was little or no propelling power in his strokes. I saw that we were not making any headway and it became an anxious consideration with me what to do for I was in a dangerous dilemma. Less than a mile to leeward was a coral reef but there appeared to me to be a narrow passage through it to open sea and I must either run upon the reef or go to sea. It was not a merry idea of spending my Christmas at sea in a crazy old boat, with neither provisions nor water on board and in company with a gigantic Fijian who was a cannibal, for aught I knew to the contrary. Moreover he scarcely understood a word I said to him, or did he know how to help me to manage the boat. I had just decided in favour of putting to sea in preference to being smashed on the reef when I saw a boat put off from the

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ship and pull towards me. I knew that my perilous condition[?] had been observed by my friends on board so I made my mate[?] lay on his oar and I put my own oar over the stern and managed to keep the boats bow to the rough waves until the ships boat came up and took me in tow.

I was glad when I felt the deck under my feet again. I then heard from a gentleman on board (who knew a great deal about the habits and nature of the Fijians) that I had run a terrible risk of being clubbed and eaten by the group of savage natives on the island. It appeared they belonged to one of the heathen tribes along the coast and had put into the mouth of harbour through stress of weather.

If our ship had not been lying close by or if the wind had been favourable to the natives to have put to sea in their canoe " added my friend "it is not at all likely that you would ever have heard your enticing watch chime again or have heard anything else in the world. The fellows knew very well that if you were missing there would be a speedy search for you by the crew of the ship; and as they could not get away from the island they certainly would be caught and punished. "Civilization has a restraining influence on the cannibal tribes you see Sir”. It has made Fiji a safer place for visitors than it was a few years ago.”

It seems to me that I have run a double risk today Mr Gordon’” I said. I was in danger of being clubbed and eaten by the savages on the island and afterwards of being eaten by this Fijian giant of yours for his Christmas dinner if we had been driven to sea in the boat. I shall not forget this Christmas tide very soon.

"Eaten by this giant” exclaimed Mr Gordon with some warmth. "No No! indeed, there as no danger of that Sir. Though at one time of his life this giant as you call him was a ferocious cannibal, he is now as gentle as a child. He is one of the trophies of Christian missions to this heathen land; and you might see thousands more such as he if you could stay awhile, Poor Isaac is one of most faithful servants and in his humble way he is a useful teacher of the Gospel. You would be as safe with him anywhere as you would with your mother.

Early next morning the ship was got ready for sea I went on deck where I heard the windlass at work and[?] to my surprise there was Isaac (the giant) sitting on the deck nursing an infant belonging to his old master, who was going to Sydney in the ship. "Is Isaac going with us Mr Gordon”? I asked "Yes he is determined to go and I shall be very glad of his services but it is his own voluntary offer. He said to me just now "Your wife is ill Sir unable to help herself, and you will be sick soon after you get to sea, then what will your baby do? I will go with you.” "Has he been in Sydney before”? "No he has never been away fro his native Fiji. But I believe he would go anywhere in the world with me with

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He sent as message to his wife by yonder canoe that he going to Sydney to nurse baby. He had not time to go on shore for his outfit or to say good bye to his wife.” "What will the poor woman say to that think you”? She is as kindly disposed to us as her husband is and I think for the baby’s sake she will be glad he is going with us. She will fret a little for Isaac no doubt for they are a loving couple but she will soon make up her mind that his going is all for the best.”

Soon after the ship got to sea Mr Gordon was prostrated by sea-sickness and his wife was in her cabin a helpless invalid. Isaac sat on the deck, just abaft the main mast holding the little child between his knees and singing a buzzing sort of lullaby, which seemed to interest the child amazingly for it kept its full eyes staring at the muse. Isaacs face was worth looking at, black though it was for it was as placid as if he had not a single care in his breast, certainly no traveller has less trouble with his luggage than Isaac had for the shirt on his back was all the personalty he owned in that world of water. He had chattels in his home no doubt but all that[?] he then had in possession was an old white calicoe shirt.

Two hours afterwards as I walked on deck musing on Christmas day subjects, I noticed Isaac still sitting behind the main mast with the baby cradled in his enormous hands fast asleep. I though if I had any misgivings respecting the power of religion to change the savage human heart a glance at that mans happy face would do more to remove my doubts than some volumes of logical evidence would have done. At the same time I wished that some of those countrymen of mine who profess to despise the work of Christian missionaries – and especially that distinguished traveller who some time ago publicly told a London audience that – "He believed Christianity was a plant which would not flower off English soil” – I wish they could have seen that converted cannibal nursing the baby so tenderly, and could have heard me tell the incident that that I had witnessed of his unselfish devotedness to his master – to the man who taught him the way to heaven.

The ship had not sailed 20 miles befor Isaac stood on the deck dressed like a gentleman. Some hearts had overflowed with Christmas-day-kindness and had freely given of their attire to their brother in need.

After a few weeks stay in Sydney Isaac returned to his native home. He doubtless had a rare budget of

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news to carry back to his countrymen and he also had some material gatherings in the shape of clothing and other presents for his wife and himself.

During his stay in Sydney he was a frequent visitor at my house; and one evening I invited him to meet some guests who were anxious to see him. Before he left I asked him to pray in order to give my friends an idea of Fijian fluency in extempore worship; but he had no sooner begun than I felt nervous. His powerful voice seemed to shake the neighbourhood and I could hear a crowd gathering before my house, all no doubt wondering what the unusual noise meant. I tried to stop him; on he went waxing warmer and louder in his tone, and more vigorous in his actions. I could tell that he was praying for me and my guests as well as for every body else in the land, but I did not feel any present comfort, because I was in fidgety expectation of having the police rap at the door.

There was a show of mutual sorrow, when Isaac and I shook hands for the last time. I shall see his dear kind black face again, by and by – but stay – he may not be black then; at any rate he will stand higher up than some white men who are very proud and lofty today.
J.R.H.

How I spent my first Christmas Day in India

In the latter end of the year 186- my friend S- had gone down to Calcutta for a change to recruit his health and had left me in charge of his Plantation during his absence. The seasons operations were wellnigh finished when he left, so that I had not much to do in the way of manufacture except sort and pack up the last challan[?] or invoice[?] of tea and send it down the river on which my friends garden[?] was situated to Sythet[?] on the river Koostare[?] one of the branches of the Bramapootra when it would have to be reshipped on a river steamer, by which it would be taken down to Calcutta. At the time of which I write the tea manufacture was in a very primitive state and it was drawing very near to Christmas before I had all the chests ready to be placed on the quaint river boats which were to take them down to Sylhet, at last, the day before Christmas Day all was ready and the tea amounting in all to some ninety chests were put aboard three boats, on the largest of which containing about forty chests I intended taking up my quarters untill the boats were safely out of the tortuous and rapid river Kutta Khall[?] and fairly on the broad waters of the Koostaree where I should

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leave them and return to my friends garden in [indecipherable] or rather pony back. The reason that I accompanied the boats was because the rain had ceased, and the river having fallen, the Kutta Khall[?] was in a very dangerous state for navigation; being full of churls[?] (mud banks partly covered with water) and rapids; the latter all tolerably swift and all dangerous to heavily laden boats, such as mine were. Early on the morning of the day before Christmas Day we set off, the strength of the current carrying us onward at a rate of about 6 miles an hour. The day passed over without any incident worthy of note, the river during this part of the journey being fairly broad and deep, free from rapids and shoal water. Sun down (5pm) found us underneath my friends B-s bungalow at Coochelah. I saw the boats safely fastened for the night in a deep and still bend of the [indecipherable] river, and leaving my men engaged in making their evening meal of curried fish and rice, strolled up to the bungalow where I was warmly welcomed by B- and his wife. We had a quiet yarn and pipe before dinner, which was put on the table at half past seven. After a pleasant repast we spent a very pleasant evening in playing at cards, singing and preparing for the next days festivities and as is usual in India retired early to bed B- and his wife endeavoured next morning at Chott[?] Hazree (little breakfast) to persuade me to spend Christmas day with them, but steamer having to leave Sythet[?] on a fixed day, and the time in which my tea had to reach it leaving me rather close time[?], I was constrained to refuse their very pressing invitation. By 7.0.am I and my men were on board my boats again, and now began the really difficult part of the navigation of the river. The churls were very numerous as were also the rapids and at the foot of each rapid the churls were pretty freely distributed. All went well until about 3 in the afternoon my boat was last as being the largest and most heavily laden I was the better able to steer her down the rapid and narrow channels after watching the smaller boats progress than I would have been, had I been in advance. About this time (3.0pm) we came to a very long straight, narrow and deep rapid down which the two leading boats passed in safety. I watched their passage from a mud bank on one side of the rapid in order to note the difficulties of the place more fully and then jumped into my own boat and ordered the boatmen to go ahead. We passed the rapid in safety but just as we reached the wide part of the river once more the boat unfortunately struck the edge of an unseen churl lying a couple of feet beneath the water. The force of the current drove the boat onto the bank and the gunwale being forced over she rapidly

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began to fill and sink. I immediately gave the Manjee[?] (steersman) the order to run the boat ashore, which fortunately owing to the force of the current he was easily enabled to do; but not before the boat had overturned and thrown us all into the water from which all soon scrambled ashore with no more hurt than a good ducking. The tea chests being securely lashed were not thrown out of the boat but lay with it slightly below the surface of water. The men in the boats ahead hearing our shouts were still ashore assisting us to haul the chests into a shallower part of the stream. We took out the chests of tea which were all saturated with water. We unshipped the tea drained it as much as possible bailed out and dried the boat as much as we could and then reshipped the tea. By this time it was close upon 6 p.m. and quite dark, so that it would bnot be safe to take the boats further down the river that evening. I had intended to stay the night at Burnie Braes the garden of my friend P. where my boatmen would have been happy among some of their friends and I myself would have eaten my first Christmas dinner in India. As this could not be I set out to see if there was a village on the banks of the river near us where my men could get food and shelter for the night. As the boats being filled with tea chests there was no covering on board and the nights are very cold in India at this time of the year. I found a village a little below where our mishap had occurred where my men found all they required. On enquiry I ascertained that we were some miles by land from Burnie Braes my friend’s garden, to which I immediately made up my mind to walk, but was informed there was no road to it. The villagers told me that my best route would be by following the sinuosities of the river, but I deemed this would make my tramp rather longer than I wanted I managed by promises of liberal promises of back sheesh to get a native to guide me by a more direct track across country than I should have been able to find by myself. Leaving my men with strict orders to the Jemadoir[?] in charge, to come on to Burnie Braes as soon as it was daylight next morning I set off for my friends garden with my friendly villager trotting along in front of me.

After a pretty severe walk through the jungle and mud for over two hours I found myself on the verandah of P---‘s bungalow and in answer to my loud shout of "Qui Aye? Literally "is any one in waiting?” but the usual form of summoning a servant or watchman in India, I heard the cheery voice of P—himself asking what was the matter and telling me to come in.

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He was considerably astonished to find who it was as he had long before given up expecting me that evening, knowing well that my boats could not travel in the dark and it was then nearly three hours after sundown. He was the more eager to welcome me as they were about to sit down to their Christmas dinner with a party of thirteen which I fancy it need scarcely be mentioned is deemed a very unlucky number; it being held that should such a party sit down the number of the mess of one of them will be vacant before the expiration of twelve months. I soon got off my wet and mud stained clothes and rigged out in a suit of P-‘s regardless of fit enjoyed what I think my best as well as my first Christmas dinner in India. This dinner has been somewhat forcibly brought to my mind on board this ship. Our plum pudding on tha occasion was made by an amateur in the culinary art and on asking each other the next morning how we were, each and every one felt answered that he felt as if he had a cannon ball in his stomach. This feeling was attributed to the Plum pudding and I must say I have had a feeling somewhat akin to the one I felt on that day after partaking of some of our Cook’s famous plum duff only perhaps slightly worse in the present case.

My boats arrived at midday next day and my king friend P—having placed his tea house at my disposal I was enabled to unpack and redry and repack the damaged tea and fortunately by working hard so quickly that it reached the steamer before she left Sythet[?] and arrived at Calcutta in due course.

Such was the manner in which I spent my first Christmas day in India and if I have as I fear might somewhat be the case in any measure wearied you with what you will probably consider a very prosy story I can only say in apology that I have written it with the best intention of helping to in some degree interest or amuse those on board this ship and therefore trust in judging any short comings the will my be taken for the deed.
Viator Secundus

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John Rousby’s Apparition

During the month of August in the year 1839, the Manor house of Hazeldean in Hampshire was the scene of many pleasant festivities for Mr John Rousby, a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, the son of Squire Rousby, Lord of the Manor of Hazeldean was at home with his young wife, the first time since his marriage. They had been married in the previous April during a Six months leave of absence to the young officer after a five years cruise in foreign waters, and they were just returned from their honeymoon tour through the South of Europe for two or three weeks stay in the old home prior to rejoining his ship, in which it was expected he would again have to proceed to a foreign station. His leave of absence was to expire on September the first at which date he was under orders to rejoin his ship at Portsmouth.

A few evenings earlier than the date fixed for his departure, a family dinner party took place at which every member of the rather large family was present together with one or two of the intimate friends of the Squire including amongst the latter the Rector of the parish.

At dinner it was observed that the company was about to sit down numbering exactly thirteen a number by many people considered as very unlucky. Some thing was said about this but the hearty old squire who in no way inclined to be superstitious pooh poohed the matter and so the party partook of the meal[?] amidst[?] a great deal of hilarity; but John Rousby could not fail to notice the unusual notice silence which had come over his bonny bride, and all he could do did not seem to distract her from some unpleasant thought. The fact being she was inclined to be impressed by the ill omened number of the party just on the eve of her young husband’s departure for a lengthened & possibly dangerous cruise:- as her father had died during the twelve months following a similar gathering when she was quite a child and the fact had made a deep impression upon her mind.

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She could not shake off her fear, and during the next few days the thought clouded her usually bright and happy life, in addition to the trouble she was certain to feel as having soon to part with the husband to whom she had been so recently united. However she strove her utmost to keep her fear from her husband’s knowledge, and if rallied by him in his hearty sailor like manner, she attributed her depression to the anticipation of the near approach of the time of having to part from him. They were most warmly attached to each other and as a matter of course felt the coming enforced separation acutely.

At length the day of departure from the old home came and it was arranged for Dora to accompany her husband to Portsmouth and there remain in apartments until his ship should be ordered abroad and when he left for her to return to Hazeldean Manor & there to take up her abode during his absence from England.

This plan was carried out, it being further arranged that untill the 18th of September, the date fixed for the sailing of the fleet she should have rooms at St Hildreds Terrace, Southsea he spending what time he could spare with her when not on duty.

The fleet sailed punctually at noon on the 18th the destination there of being to cruise for an indefinite period in the South Pacific Ocean. John Rousby this cruise occupied the position of first lieutenant of the ship carrying the admirals flag.

Christmas eve 1839. Since her husbands departure Dora has very perceptibly fallen off in health and the usual family gathering at Hazeldean on the eve of Christmas day finds her pale and wan and far from able to join in the merry making of the season which surrounded her. Every one of late had noted this but it had been attributed to the fact that in due time she was likely to become a mother, so no one save herself knew the trouble that was telling upon her health as she had never breathed to a soul the dread she had that she would never see her loved one again which had seized her on the evening of the ill omened dinner party. Her husband was ever present with her sleeping and waking and it was simply impossible for her to divest

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herself of the dread feeling she had about him night or day. This it was which was telling do disasterously on her health and not her own peculiar condition. She retired to rest at her usual time somewhat earlier than the rest of the party. She had undressed without of the aid of her maid and had laid down some hour or more and was in that half dreamy state of being neither asleep nor awake, when she was thoroughly aroused by some noise having lain awake for a few minutes she noticed the moon was brilliantly lighting up the windows of her room. With that unaccountable restlessness which now and then prompts people to unusual acts, she arose put on a dressing wrapper and drawing up the blind she stood looking out of the window.

Hithertoo I have not described the surroundings of Hazeldean Manor because they scarcely bear upon my story; but to make what I am now about to relate clearer I may say the house was surrounded by a large and beautiful park with a carriage drive through a long avenue of elm trees. The avenue ceased when it approached the house to within some hundred and fifty feet from the hall door, the drive being continued up to the entrance between beds of flowers and shrubs on a well kept lawn.

From the window where Dora was standing she had a full view of the entrance to the avenue, the intervening space being flooded with moonlight almost as bright as day. As she stood she saw a figure moving up the avenue, which as it emerged from the shadows of the now leafless trees, into the brighter moonlight she instinctively as it were became aware that it bore the form of her husband. He was in a mess uniform and her first impulse to wonder why he should be on shore in uniform instead of as usual in mufti. He had not walker more than fifteen yards across the open lawn when a second figure emerged from behind a tall holly tree just as he passed it, the shrub having apparently concealed this second figure from him;- this second figure was clad in the garb of a Man-of-wars man and held in his right hand a sheath-knife the blade of which she saw distinctly flash in the moon’s rays as he raised his arm and plunged the knife into her husband’s back.

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With a loud shriek for "help”! which alarmed the whole household then on the point of retiring to rest. Dora sank insensible to the floor beneath the window; her she was immediately found by Mrs Rousby and some of the ladies. Restoratives were applied but in her weakened condition it was a long time before consciousness returned, and then only for her to lapse into an uncontrollable fit of Hysterical weeping during the persistence of which no information could be obtained from her. Before the violence of her grief subsided the family Doctor was in attendance, he having been hastily summoned as soon as she was discovered in the swoon. The Doctor announced to the horror struck mother-in-law that another event expected ere long would occur prematurely from the shock to her nervous system and he urged the utmost caution in approaching the subject of the cause of her present condition.

The little one was born before day break but was fated to breath feebly only once or twice; weeks of unconsciousness followed by weeks of anxious nursing during which the poor stricken ones life lay trembling in the balance carried the time on to the beginning of March when Dora was once more able to sit up in her own room partly dressed; and it was not untill this time that she had felt the strength to relate to any one the terrible ordeal of the walking vision through which she had passed. This having been confided to Mrs Rousby disclosed to that lady the reason why in the time of her delerium she had so constantly prayed that some one would save her darling – or had at other times shrieked as on the night of her swoon "Help”! The convalescence was tedious in the extreme but it had yet to receive another blow and from this it is almost to be wondered how her reason ever rallied.

On the 14th of April strange to say the anniversary of her wedding day she received an ominous looking letter on large sized paper with the Admiralty seal affixed thereto impressed upon black wax. This letter announced officially the death of her husband, which had taken place under the following circumstances on the Christmas Eve of the year just closed on December 24th 1839. Her Majesty’s ship Helicon, bearing the flag of the admiral of the fleet was in

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Latitude 41S. and longitude 75E. The officers had recently concluded their mess dinner, when First Lieutenant Rousby was just leaving the Wardroom and was attacked by one of the seamen with a long sheath knife and stabbed in the back; the blade penetrating his left lung and he succumbed to internal haemorrhage in about 20 minutes after the wound was inflicted, never having been conscious. The assassin eluded every one though he was seen by three persons to commit the deed and ran brandishing the knife to the bulwarks and threw himself overboard it is believed stabbing himself also in the act of suicide. It was impossible to rescue him as the ship was going ten knots per hour with a heavy sea, the wind blowing almost a gale. It appears the man was not accountable for his actions for some years previously he had received a blow upon the head from a falling block, since this accident whenever he imbibed spirits he had always been greatly excited thereby; as a rule he had been a most abstentious man, but it being Christmas eve he had in common with his mess mates had taken an extra quantity of proof and without the slightest warning his reason had overbalanced, and he attacked the first person whom he had met, this unfortunately being his officer, Mr Rousby.

There is little more to add than that the poor young widow received the shock mere resignedly than could have been expected considering the abruptness with which the news came upon her but this may be accounted for by the fact that ever since her reason had returned subsequently to the birth of her little one she had said and felt assured that it was only a question of time when her fears as to her husbands fate would be confirmed. All she said on reading the contents of the letter was "Thy will O Lord be done”. A dazed expression came over her face which it was many months before a brighter look replaced.

The hour at which the murder was committed in the Southern Ocean was about 7 pm, and exactly corresponds with the time at which she saw the apparition from her bedroom window, at about 11.30 p.m.
J.MAFFEY, L.I.C.P. [etc].

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A Tragic Christmas Eve.
By William Cudsworth

While the good ship Parramatta is speeding on her journey, the thoughts of all on board are probably directed during this Merry Christmas time to the old Country and its seasonable associations. In one respect at least Christmas on board the Parramatta may comprise some features in common with those obtaining in dear old England, and among these may be included that of Story telling. While therefore many a group of English friends have drawn the captains and ranged themselves around the cheerful fireside, I hold onto the cuddy table and by the aid of the ventilating shaft jot down these recollections of a story, the scene of which is laid in North Yorkshire. Unmindful of the twofold danger over head, to wit, the risk of a ducking of salt water and the certainty of catarrh in some form or other. Among my fellow passangers collected as they are from many corners of Old England, there may be some who are acquainted with Wensleydale in the North Riding of Yorkshire. Rich in natural scenery as is the broad expanse of lovely Yorkshire vale and abounding as it does in objects of historic interest I refrain from any reference thereto except in this brief form.

Lying parallel with Wensleydale however and separate from it by one of the fells or mountain ridges which abound in these parts there is a smaller valley known as Sauer water, from the existence there in of a lake of considerable extent and depth. Tradition has it, that Sauer water engulfs a village of moderate size, the inhabitants whereof in some bygone age were inhospitable enough to deny food and shelter to a poor old mendicant who had lost his way among the fells but who it transpired was none other than an angel from heaven bearing tidings of good import to the villagers. In return for this unfriendly act the village was doomed to destruction and it is said to this day that strange and weird like moanings may be heard mingling with the sighing of the autumnal wind as it is borne along the bosom of the lake

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[indecipherable] that may be [indecipherable] [words missing] between lofty ridges of hills presents a scene of solitude and repose not unlikely to attract the attention of any stray tourist who having left the beaten track as it is laid down in guide, find himself in sight of the lake. To such an[?] one also even a glance at Fellowby[?] Hall, that weather beaten pile looking down upon the still waters of the lake, will be full of interest should he have fortunately have been put in possession of the story connected with it.

Yes. Fellowby hall has a story, - a tragic story associated with it – the leading incidents of which may be here briefly narrated as they happened upon a Christmas. E’n[?] I know not how long ago; but the story is sufficiently ancient to have to have acquired the full flavour[?] attaching to all romances of "ye olden time”. Although designated by the high sounding title of "Hall”, the ancient abode of the Fellowby’s hall little in appearance distinguishing it from the homesteads of the neighbourhood. Its ample proportions had in former times sheltered from many a wintry blast a family of some repute in Semerdale[?] and whose fortunes had suffered seriously from the sad occurrence which happened on the occasion to which reference has previously been made. At that period the household in question comprised four members namely old Martin Fellowby, his two sons Reuben & Caleb and his only Daughter Deborah. Marin Fellowby was the successor of a line of yeomen a "Statesman” as they are styled in those parts who had[?] resided in Semerdale and farmed their own lands. His two sons were fine stalwart fellows who undertook the chief management of the extensive holdings possessed by their father, while Deborah found sufficient employment in managing the [indecipherable] of the house. Christmas was approaching and [indecipherable] throughout fair England is that festive [indecipherable] welcomed with greater zest than by the residents than by the residents [indecipherable]. Especially were the good people of [indecipherable] welcome the glad time and make the [indecipherable]. Upon this customary festive occasion it was [indecipherable] the date for each household to prepare a Christmas feast to which the members of other households were invited; and thus a round of visiting and merry making was kept up quite in keeping with the spirit of bounteous hospitality which is an especial characteristic of the Yorkshire dales men.

By two members of the little household at Fellowby Hall, however the celebration of the Christmas

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feast was this year was looked forward [indecipherable] more than ordinary interest. In Reuben & Caleb Fellowby, the spirit of hospitality was fervent enough, but if the truth must be told the expected presence of one guest at the coming feast excited in the two brothers feelings which were of a character strangely discordant with those that should prevail at Christmas Time, namely a deep rooted deadly hate of each other. Unfortunately the unwitting subject of this bitter animosity was the bonniest lass in Semerdale the daughter of a thrifty yeoman named Roger Bruntcliffe[?]. To relate in detail the various stages which had led to such an exhibition of unbrotherliness would require more space than we have at command. Suffice it to state that this feeling was not the growth of a month or a year.

Milly Bruntcliffe like her sire and Grandsire was born in the dale and had developed into beauteous womanhood the near neighbour of the Fellowbys. Many a time she had been "dandled” upon the knee of Old Master Fellowby, while his two sons had with awkwardly gallantry vied with each other to amuse the budding beauty, their junior by several years. In this wise had sprung up an intimacy, which in later years had developed on the part of the two brothers at least feelings of passionate regard for the object of their affection and of intense hatred of each other. Not that Milly Bruntcliffe had favoured either one or the other of the rival lovers, although upon Caleb, the younger of the two, she had apparently of late bestowed some of her sweetest smiles at so though Ruben Fellowby.

In this conjuncture of affairs came round the joyous Christmas Season. It was Christmas Eve and according to[?] the[?] established custom the first of the social gatherings was [indecipherable] held at Fellowby Hall, Martin Fellowby being by [indecipherable] of his position the leading man of the district [indecipherable] after midday the guests had begun to arrive, some on foot, others on horseback or in the rude vehicles which in those parts served alike for the purposes of market cart and family coach, and a busy time old Martin Fellowby had of it welcoming his guests as they were ushered into the spacious apartment common to many of the old-fashioned homesteads in the Yorkshire dales. Bedecked with evergreens and shining brightly after the polishing it had received the old oak panelling with which the room was encased

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reflected the light of the huge wood fire blazing on the [indecipherable] while every piece of furniture, from the ancient delf[?] case down to the high backed family chair, which occupied the place of honour near the ingle-neuk, added some degree of lustre by reason of the burnishing it had also received. Dinner had been served and the light of the wintry day had waned ere Martin Fellowby pledged his guests in a bumper[?] prior to the tables being cleared for the dancing and rustic games which were to follow. During the progress of the feast as indeed ever since Milly Bruntcliffe had entered the hall with her family, Ruben & Caleb Fellowby had strived with ill disguised animosity[?] towards each other, to win a smile from the acknowledged beauty of the gathering and not a little tact was required on the part of Milly in bestowing these favours with some degree of impartiality. Notwithstanding as it appeared to Ruben Fellowby the rustic attentions of his younger brother were received with greater favour by the fair guest than were his own; and his rage was scarcely controllable as he beheld his brother lead Milly to the top of the room when the first dance was announced.

As the evening progressed and the Song and dance and rustic game succeeded each other in rapid order the absence from the room of Caleb and Milly was unobserved except by Ruben Fellowby, whose jealous feelings were once more aroused by the circumstance. It transpired, however that during the progress of a game of "hide and seek” Caleb had induced Milly to leave the room him and without any apology to the remainder of the guests Ruben at once followed them. At first he searched the various apartments of the old house, but without any trace of the fugitives. He looked around the out offices, which were in a state of bustle but no trace of Caleb or Milly could he detect. He next looked at the front entrance. It was a beautiful moonlight night. Snow had fallen during the day and the distant hills and the secluded valley and lake were almost as clearly distinguishable as at noon day. The terrace in front of the old hall was deserted.

At first Ruben could not detect even a footstep upon the snow covered surface, but looking more closely traced not one pair of footsteps but two, one of

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To descend the side of the lake was therefore the next move on the part of Ruben and he arrived there to behold his brother Caleb and Milly Bruntcliffe in conversation which was apparently of an agreeable character judging by the merry peals of laughter which occasionally proceeded from the fair visitor. Entering into the spirit of the game "Hide and seek” which all three had left in full swing Ruben had might fairly have pounced on the pair, and by Milly at least the discovery would have been accepted by Milly as a good joke. Ruben Fellowby however had no humour for joking. Without even passing a remark to Milly he grasped his brother fiercely by the throat and a terrific struggle ensued. The combatants were well matched in physique and both were adept at in ‘wrestling’ a favourite diversion of some northern counties of England. The encounter took place upon the margin of the lake which covered with a coating of clear ice reflected brightly the shining orb above and as they swayed backwards and forwards first one brother having an apparent advantage and then the other, the agony of Milly was of the most acute character. Striving in vain to separate the combatants and failing to bring assistance by her cries the unconscious cause of this unbrotherly encounter proceeded at her topmost speed to the scene of the revelry above.

Mean while the fierce struggle went on without any abatement in its fury and as it seemed inevitable from the beginning was now carried on upon the frozen waters of the lake. At first the coating of ice bore well

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The scene at the old hall may well be imagined as Milly rushed wildly into the midst of the Christmas revellers shrieking for assistance. It came too late however, for when the bodies were recovered, they were locked in death.

Thus were the future hopes of two households blighted. Milly Bruntcliffe never recoveresd the shock, and the name of Fellowby is now unknown in Semerdale except in its relation to this sad story.
W.C.

A Merry Christmas Greeting from Old Mother Carey.
           
At daybreak yesterday morning a little speckled bird pecked thrice at the window of a Saloon Cabin on the port side of the ship Parramatta, at the same time he peeped with one of his bead like eyes at a drowsey man inside who was lying on his berth wishing it was breakfast time.

Hullo! Who are you? said the man as he rubbed his sleepy eyes open and looking rather scaredfor he thought it was a ghost, "Who are you, I ask? Why don’t you speak.The bird replied in a peculiar chirp, like a swallow with a grasshopper in his maw, "My name is Joey Spray” I am one of Mother Carey’s chickens.

"Ugh” then you had better fly back to your old mother and tell her from me, that she ought to know better than to rer up her chicks to brew bad weather and frighten poor sailors. I suppose it was you who tried to upset our ship and to blow the man down last Sunday morning. You wicked Bird!”

"Oh! no Sir that wasn’t my doing. I never blew a man down so please don’t blow me up. I am a messenger of peace, and I wish to see the young Editoress of the Parramatta Journal”. She wont scold me I know”.

"Well she does not live in this cabin. And let me tell you Master Joey, that it is not good manners for a sea bird to be tapping on a young ladies window with his beak. Pray what do you want with the Editoress so eary in the morning before the Newspaper Office is open?” "My mother has sent a verse for the Christmas number

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of the "Parramatta Journal”, she is going to send a Christmas card to each good boy and girl on board the ship. The parcel is too big to go into my pocket so my big Cousin Molly Mawk will bring it to the Editoress before Christmas Eve. My dear mother told me to give her love to everybody I meet as this is a Happy Christmas time”.

"Oh that’s your errand is it Joey Spray? I wish you could fly all over the world with your message of love. You may push your verse through the chink in my port and I will give it to the Editoress. I daresay it will please her. I am sorry I misjudged you my pretty birdee”.

Joey wagged his little tail and said "Chippy Chippy Chip” which he no doubt for his compliments to the Editoress. Then he picked a leaf of seaweed from a feathery pocket under his left wing and pushed it though the port. On the leaf was written in legible bird language the following stanza.

Ship Parramatta ahoy!
To every soul on board, I say in rhyme,
I wish you a right merry Christmas time,
I send each boy and girl a Christmas card,
I token of my loving kind regard,
God speed your ship along her watery way,
And safely land you all on New Years day,
Mother Carey
"My Rocky Lair”
Island of Desolation
Southern ocean
Christmas 1882.
J.R.H.

We had intended to mention the Parramatta Journal as a publication of great merit issued by some of the young folk on board for their own special organ – The post of Editoress has been intrusted to Miss Gertrude Brookes and the above article is extracted from the pages of her ably conducted paper.

(Ed. PP.)

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Entertainments.

On the evening of Tuesday December 19th the children presented us with the short play of the Little Sentinel”. After going through the performance once they were warmly encored & and so reproduced the whole – The plot is that the fair widow has a lot of butterfly admirers flitting around her. She has living with her in the capacity of servant and companion a cousin who undertakes to act the part of guardian angel to the fair damsel. Two of the admirers are introduced one in the form of a dandfied little old gentleman with a foreign accent the other in the shape of a young officer who has a straw coloured moustache and hair. The widow makes a rendezvous with each of the admirers – who subsequently find the cousin tears & lamenting that they all neglected her – each of the fickle fellows in turn falls on his knees, declares her the most adorable of all women”, and she also makes an appointment at the same hour as that fixed by her cousin, but in a different spot. The widow find no one at her trysting, the butterflys have gone to tha appointment with the cousin. Late in the evening the widow returns home and expresses her vexation at being played falsely with, during this the amorous swains enter and upbraid the cousin for not keeping the appointment. The widow then discovers that her cousin has simply been throwing the others off the trail and at the same time and she has her eyes opened to the deceit of of the satelites. Now enters a bucolic looking fellow, the cousins veritable lover a well to do young farmer whose indignation is aroused by the supposed flirtation of his fiancee with the swells, but whose wrath is appeased on discovering that she has only been tricking them into showing their true colours.

Mabel Maffey admirably sustained the principal part of the fair young widow her get up hitting off the character to a nicety. Gertrude Brooks and Reggie Maffey took respectively the parts of the little old gentleman, and the "Straw coloured Officer – the former both in dress and deportment ably representing the character, indeed her acting was most praiseworthy – Reggie Maffey was scarcely so polite or gallant as we

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should expect an British officer to be, but he certainly[?] looked very dignified & went through his part in very good style – next time he takes the part we wpuld suggest his offering his fair hostess part of the refreshment handed to him before commencing to partake thereof himself. May Brooks sustained the part of the little sentinel[?] servant and friend very well indeed. And Edith[?] Stalibrass bore her small part as the farmer lover of May with most telling effect.
On Thursday last December 21st 1882 Mr Joseph Lunn’s farce ‘Fish out of Water’ was exceedingly well put up by some of our friends on board, under the stage management of Mr A Puiches[?]

The ladies parts in this piece are unfortunately very small, but were made the most of. Miss Edmeads was fully equal to the requirements of the character of Ellten Courtley, and her acting espopecially in the last scene was worthy of all praise. Miss Brookes made all that was posssible out of the small part of Lucy. Mr P. Odling’s make up for the character of Sir George Courtley was remarkably good and great credit is due to him for the carefulness and consistency of his acting throughout the piece. Alderman Gayfare[?] was well impersonated by Mr [indecipherable] Goddard. The part of the steward was entrusted to Mr Michael and could scarcely have been placed in more competent hands. Mr Field was very good as Charles Gayfare and evidently fully appreciated the part. Mr Seville as Sam Savory was in his element and he gave us quite a clever impersonation of the character. To judge by the marked ability exhibited we should say he (Mr Seville) has had some previous experience behind the footlights. The small part of the footman was entrusted to Mr Richards one of the midshipman and was creditably taken.

The performance was altogether worth of high commendation. When we consider the difficulties which are met on all sides in getting up a play at sea it reflects no little credit on those concerned in Thusday’s evening performance that every thing was done in so masterly a manner.

There was an overflowing house, the piece being enthusiastically received the applause was liberal and continuous.

The entire company were summoned before the curtain the prompter receiving a special call.
F.W. Bryant

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On the evening of December 26th Boxing Day the Parramatta Troupe of Christy Minstels gave one of their spirited entertainments to a crowded and highly appreciative audience. The company was augmented on this occasion by the addition of Messrs Sloper and Burton to the other artistes.

The first item on the programme was a continuation of the topical song ‘Rolling on to Sydney” introduced in the last similar entertainment in which Mr Michael very impertinently referred to incidents which have occurred during the last few weeks of the voyage. The chorus went with a good roll and rather better than last time. "Ella Rae” followed being rendered by Mr Bush, this is one of the good old negro plantation melodies & always acceptable – A comic song ensued "Josephus Orange Blossom” and was sung by Mr Hayter this was very good – Some patter followed this between Tambourine and Mr Michael consisting of exaggerations which could we afford the space we should like to transcribe – Mr Houghton followed with "Annie Lisle” but unfortunately the gentleman had a severe cold, notwithstanding this the the sweet old melody naturally brought forth the encore which the audience ever ready to be pleased and not over critical easily evoked. Patter between Bones and Mr Michael followed. The next item was another original song from Mr Ottewill’s prolific pen entitled "Dashing Sal” – this was entrusted to Bones (Mr Burton) and received an encore. In "Ever of thee” from Mr Deaven we had one of the sweetest of the earlier negro songs made popular by Christy Minstrells troupes it was rendered in a most pleasing style and received a hearty well deserved encore. Patter on arithmetical subjects followed, which mr Bellingham’s (tambourine) enunciation[?] evidently proved a clincher for the conductor. Next came Mr Ottewill with a comic ditty "Razors in de Air” was given in his usual style. It has a rollicking chorus and elicited an encore. The old log cabin in the lane” by Mr Sloper would have been better had it been rendered with more confidence as

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he has a pleasing voice, he was heartily applauded. The Happy [indecipherable] with original words from Mr Ottewill’s pen was sung by Mr Bowler in his usually ‘happy’ style. On being encored he followed with an original song of a topical character & of his own composition, it contained clippings from most of the old songs, entertainments and occurances which have taken place on board during the voyage and elicited sound after sound of applause. Patter followed in which Mr Michael propounded the following conundrum to Bones,
"Why is the Parramatta hove to like a sheet of paper?
Because she is said to be stationery”.
"Under the Willow” sung by Mr Michael was very ably rendered it has a sweet chorus – A little more [indecipherable] by Mr Bellingham was another of the good old melodies with a rattling good chorus it was encored. "Silver moonlight winds are Blowing” was a very sweet song sweetly sung by Mr Taylor. A comical part of the entertainment ensued with Mr Ottewill’s original "Getting Sleepy” to which the whole chorus go to sleep and are roused and attracted off the stage by the application to their olfactory nerves of a bottle of what the temperence people term ‘alcoholic liquor’. On the restorative being applied to Mr Houghton Mr Ottewill addressed him by the singularly a’propos term of ‘Old 2 yards’. My Taylor followed with a very clever dance to the song ‘Camelia May’ considering the floor on which the dance had to be performed – the effect was achieved most creditably. To alk on a slippery deck with what appeared to us very like a pair of Yorkshire operators clogs is a feat we should not like to undertake much more the risk of a tumble or broken leg in executing a break down fling.
The entertainment was brought to a close by Mr Ottewills original song which was put down the programme thus:

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Originalities
Can you wonder at that.
This was introduced by Mr O. in the character of a Ratcatcher with appropriate costume – the partner usual in such a business being produced from the internal arrangement of a large carpet bag & was the poodle dog to be seen any time in or about the Parramatta.
The song was a topical one and was not only an original but a pretty strong one in personalities this we trust was taken in the spirit of fun in which we are assured it was intended being simply meant to cause a hearty laugh. It was encored and Mr O. replied with his touching melody "Journeying Home”.
Before the singing of the National Anthem the Captain interposed and in a few words thanked all who had taken part in the entertainments or in any way contributing to the amusements of the voyage on his own behalf and in the name of the passengers & his crew.
The evening’s entertainment was then ended by all joining in singing "God save the Queen”.

Ship’s Report
[table not transcribed]

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Notices to Correspondents
We have received communication from the following, Miss Spencer, Miss Horsfall, Mr Cottewill, Mr Houlding, Mr Michael, Mr Cudsworth, Mr Bryant and Mr Baker.
Replies to correspondents.
Mr Baker, your report received too late, as the subject of it ahd already been reported and inserted when yours came to hand.

Published this 23rd day of December, 1882.
Finis.

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[Account of a voyage in 1881, mostly in verse]

March 18th 1881. S. Lat 20°29. W. Long. 28°51.
On a long sea voyage every passing change is seized upon and made a feature of interest. The montotony of sea and sky is seldom varied, even the sight of a bird or a fish is a treat, a ship in sight an event, land ahead a most unusual excitement. We may therefore consider ourselves highly favoured in having been allowed twice to gaze upon shores, not only as a mere variety, but as pictures of beauty that will ever live in our memories. Cape Horn of course stands foremost, that never-to-be-forgotten day when we slowly sailed by its picturesque crags has been immortalized by our Editor in his clever article in the third number of 'Sea Drift'.
As the view last Friday night was secondary in interest and beauty, we venture, with all humility, to attempt a few lines on what we should have considered a very lovely scene, had we not been formerly favoured with the other. Just before we entered the tropics, while cool breezes still lingered in the air, we knew ourselves to be passing the little island of Trinidada, and half hoped for a glimpse of her shores. But after a delightful moonlight evening on deck, we dispersed under the conviction that the course of the ship was against the fulfilment of our desires. A wish granted after all hope of it seems over, carries double gratification, and so we all felt, when about 11.30 PM we were called from our cabins with the news of land in sight. The hurry on deck, the eager demands for paper and pencils, the crowding figures lit up by the clear full moon as they gathered together with opera-glasses and telescopes, now bending over their sketches now comparing them with others, then gazing anew on the ever-changing scene - all this was of itself a study. But what greets us under the perfect sky as we look onward into the clear distance? It brings to us Byron's lines - 'Through cloudless skies, in silvery sheen, Full beams the moon on'. [indecipherable] - a group of rocks being about two miles from Trinidada.

[Transcribed by Terry (David) Walker for the State Library of New South Wales]