Gothic - May 1898

GOTHIC

The GOTHIC departed London on 16 March 1898 and arrived in Wellington via Plymouth, Teneriffe, Capetown and Hobart, on 1 May 1898, with Captain William H Kidley in command.

Transcribed from the Evening Post, 2 May 1898. Page 4.

GOTHIC, FROM LONDON.

At 1 yesterday afternoon the favourite White Star liner Gothic completed another long ocean voyage between London and Wellington. The Health Officer's examination being satisfactory, the big steamer, under Captain Johnson's supervision, was snugly berthed at the Queen's Wharf. The Gothic left Plymouth at 3.45 on the 19th February, experienced moderate to light variable winds and fine weather to arrival at Teneriffe on the 24th, coaled, and loft at 3.16 pm same day for Capetown. Light north-westerly winds and calms were experienced until 7deg north, when the south-east trades were picked up. The Equator was crossed on 30th March in long 10deg west, thence to Capetown strong south-east trades, with head sea, were encountered till arrival at Table Bay at 1.52 pm on 8th April. Landed 122 and embarked 21 passengers, and left at 9.33 pm same day. South-west to northerly winds, with heavy rain, prevailed during the greater part of the voyage to Hobart, which port was reached at 8.40 am on Wednesday last. At the Tasmanian port 57 passengers disembarked and 190 tons cargo were discharged, the vessel leaving again at 3 pm, Light northerly winds and fine weather prevailed on the trip across the Tasman Sea, Farewell Spit being passed at 4.16 am yesterday, the liner arriving as above. The voyage from Hobart to Wellington was completed in 3 days 20 hours—a capital steaming performance. Concerts, dances (including a fancy dress ball), and all kinds of indoor and outdoor entertainments were held throughout the trip.

The Gothic brought the following passengers:—

For Wellington:

Saloon—

Misses - Tennant, Dorman,

Mesdames - Grove, Susters, Dorman, Rev Cameron,

Messrs - Grove, Mather, Openshaw, Russell, Saunders, Thomas;

Steerage—

Misses - Morgan, Hertzog,

Mesdames - Hertzog, Huggins, Messrs Brown, Cherry, Campbell, Davie, Hunter, Hertzog, Morgan, Phipson, Reakes, Reid, Sole, Schofield, Barrett, Langridge.

For other ports:

Saloon—

Misses - White, Clarke, Green, Laidlaw, Herbert, Axon,

Mesdames - Branting, Gale, Gill, Mickle, McIndoe, Stewart, Drs Gale, Mickle, Lee, Christie, Majors Fox (2),

Messrs - Bobbett (2), Brown, Bryant, McKenzie, Thompson, Johnson, Rose;

Steerage— 57.

The cargo was not a large one this voyage, some 2020 tons being for Wellington. Her movements are at present doubtful. Wellington is to be her final port of departure in the colony on the 26th instant. Messrs Levin and Co are the local agents.

The officers are the same as last year, excepting that Mr. Hill, second officer of the Delphic, took Mr. Gunn's place on the Gothic, Mr. Gunn having to remain behind in England owing to illness. Mr. Gabites, of Timaru, is surgeon. Mrs. Penyer, matron, was unable to come out with the vessel this trip through illness.

During the vessel's stay in London this trip she was fitted with rolling-chocks, which have made a wonderful improvement in her sea-going qualities. The work was carried out very expeditiously in a week, day and night shifts being employed throughout.

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