Hawke's Bay Herald

January 11 - Adamant, barque, from London via Plymouth, with 270 immigrants

Arrival of the Adamant
On Saturday last, at 3.30 p.m. a signal was run up at the Barracks, "A sail in sight". Shortly after the signals were run up for a "ship" or "barque". This of course caused many enquiries as to what the vessel could be, some surmising it was one vessel, but the majority at once put it down for the ADAMANT. As time wore on, and the said vessel got nearer and nearer, it was very easy to make out that it was the ADAMANT without doubt, as the crowds of people which were on deck could easily be distinguished from the shore. At 6 p.m. the Sir Donald went out in the bay to meet her, with the following gentlemen on board:- J.M. TABUTEAU Esq. (Collector of Customs), Messrs TYLEE, FOX and Dr. HITCHINGS, also F. WILLIAMS Esq. on behalf of Messrs KINROSS and Co., who are the agents of the ship, and D. BALHARRY Esq. of the New Zealand Shipping Company. There were also a few gentlemen on board, including the representatives of the Press.

As soon as the Sir Donald was within easy distance, the immigrants gave three hearty cheers, which at least showed their vocal powers, as the cheering was kept up for some minutes. As soon as the excitement was finished, Dr HITCHINGS asked the usual questions, which were replied to by our old friend Captain BOWLING and Dr DALZIEL, and we are happy to state that all on board were well, which speaks highly of the ship's officers and all concerned. Dr HITCHINGS then gave permission for anybody to go on board, but this was soon put down by the immigration officer, Mr TYLEE, who gave orders not to allow any person on board the ship under penalty of 10 pounds. This is certainly a new law, to us at least, as we should think if the said vessel was clean and wholesome enough for Mr TYLEE to go on board, it certainly was the same for the representatives of the Press.

However, after the Commissioners had inspected the ship, they returned on shore for the night, and they were the only gentlemen on board that evening (Saturday). Yesterday at 9 a.m. the Commissioner again went off in the Sir Donald to bring the nominated immigrants on shore. After the Sir Donald had been alongside for about an hour and a-half the visitors were permitted to go on board, which of course was soon accomplished. After friends and relations had finished their greetings (for at least a few moments) the fire-bell was rang [sic], and in a remarkable short time all the females and children were below, and the water was pumped on to the supposed fire. At the given signal all the ship's boats were lowered and rowed around the ship, which shows that the whole of those on board have been kept up to the fire practices, &c., and much praise is due to Captain BOWLING in getting them into such a good state of efficiency.

The ADAMANT, both on deck and below, is as clean as could be possibly be. We need not dwell on this subject long, for we have never seen a vessel come into this port cleaner or better managed. The chief officer, Mr CONNELL, kindly furnished us with a report of the voyage. The second officer, Mr TWIGG, also gave the information required. Mr BULBIE, third officer, who was in her last trip, is still as jolly as ever. Mr DALZIEL speaks very highly of all her immigrants, both married and single, also the chief matron, Mrs McCRUM, and her assistant, Miss HALLOWAY. There has been one death, an infant, and two births, on the voyage; the latter are quite well, and as their parents say, perfect "Adamants". The schoolmaster, Mr JOHNSON, has also had some laborious duties. He presented the best scholars with prizes yesterday, in the presence of a large number of people, he [sic] successful lads being Masters AUSTES, SMITH, BOYLE, and HARRIS. Yesterday hundreds of townspeople were going on board to see their friends and the ship, as the Sir Donald and Bella were kept plying to and fro.

The immigrants presented Captain BOWLING with the following address:-
"We, the passengers of the ship ADAMANT, cannot suffer to pass unnoticed the very efficient and satisfactory manner by which the captain (T. BOWLING), Mr DALZIEL, the officers and crew, have displayed their duty in conducting the passage from England to New Zealand. Captain BOWLING especially holds the respect and best wishes of all who have been placed under his care." (Then follow the signatures of passengers.)

Today (Monday) the whole of the immigrants will be brought on shore. The following is the ship's report:-
Left London on the 20th September. Had strong southerly gale down Channel. Arrived in Plymouth on the 24th September. Embarked passengers on the 27th; left Plymouth on the 28th, and took departure from the Lizard Point at 9 a.m. on the 29th. Had moderate south-east and westerly winds until we got the N.E. trades, in 32 deg.N., which were light throughout, and lost them in 14 deg.N. Sighted Palma on the 11th October, and Cape de Verdes on the 17th. Crossed the Equator on the 29th October, 31 days out. Passed under the sun on the 6th November, and sighted Trinadad on the 9th. Had light south-east trades from 2 deg.N. to 14 S.; variable winds and moderate weather to Tristan de Acunha, which was passed on the morning of the 20th. Passed the Meridian of Greenwich on the 23rd October, and of the Cape on the 28th. Run down the easting between 42 deg. and 45 deg. Experienced moderate northerly winds from the Cape to the Leeuwin; from Leeuwin to Tasmania strong winds from S.W. to S.E.; Tasmania to Cape Farewell light variable winds and calms; through the Straits variable winds from S.E. to N.W. Made Cape Kidnappers at 3 a.m. on the morning of the 11th January, 105 days out, and arrived in the Napier anchorage at 6.30 p.m. same day. The following vessels were spoken during the passage:- October 11 latitude 29 deg.N., longitude 19 W., French barque steering north. October 22, 6 deg.N., 26 W., Janet Court of Glasgow, from Adelaide to London. November 13, Argonaut ship, from Adelaide to Falmouth, 28 deg.S., 26 W. December 12, Hespaides, of and from London for Melbourne, 74 days, 45 deg.S., 71 E. Sighted the Edwin in Cook's Straits, of and from Wellington.

SOURCES:
Comber Index
Hawke's Bay Herald, 13 January 1879
Ship's manifest and passenger list - Archives New Zealand

Transcribed by David Tonkin