THE OTAGO WITNESS
23 Mar 1861

THE "MELBOURNE"
The fine new clipper ship "Melbourne," Captain John 
Robertson, from Leith, with immigrants and general cargo,
arrived off Otago Heads on the 16th instant, and was
safely anchored early next morning at Port Chalmers. The
"Melbourne," on starting from Home, experienced very 
severe weather, which compelled her to put in to Grimsby
until it abated; after which she set sail, leaving that 
port on the 10th Decr., Portsmouth on the 12th, and 
reached Otago after a pleasant passage of 92 days. She 
has brought us upwards of 200 passengers, who appear to 
be a robust and healthy set of people, to whom we accord
a hearty welcome, and wish them all success in their new
country. Only one death occurred during the voyage, a
child, who was in bad health when brought on board: there
was also one birth. We are informed, that in every 
respect the passage was an agreeable one, scarcely 
anything occurring to mar the good feeling and harmony 
which existed on board from the beginning to the end of 
the voyage. Marvellous to relate, a sum of £5 was 
subscribed by the passengers, and presented to their cook
for his kindness and attention to their wants during the 
voyage. The contrast which this state of things present
to the experience of many of the ships arriving here is 
highly gratifying, and results, we have little doubt, 
from the ludicious selection of the Captain, whose 
experience of the colony and knowledge of the wants of 
immigrants on a long voyage, make his services as the 
commander of an immigrant ship peculiarly valuable. Some 
delay occurred in landing the immigrants, in consequence 
of there being no steamer at command on the arrival of the
"Melbourne." Many of the passengers found their way to 
Dunedin in small boats, the mass were, however, landed on
Wednesday by the "Storm Bird. "The "Melbourne" is laid on 
for London, and as there is a considerable quantity of 
wool waiting for shipment, she will probably meet with 
quick dispatch. She will be the third wool ship of the 
season loading at this Port for London direct.


Converted to electronic form by Corey Woodw@rd