Adamant
Barque: 851 tons
Captain: On departure Burch (died on board)
Replaced by Chief Officer: Tupman Highman
Surgeon Superintendent: George J Stewart
Sailed London 14th July 1875 - arrived Bluff 2nd December 1875

The Adamant, Captain Bowling's first ship as master, was an old vessel when bringing immigrants to New Zealand. She was an iron barque of 815 tons, built in 1858, and later purchased by the Shaw Saville Co. She made nine voyages to new Zealand, coming out first to Lyttelton in 1873, fifteen years after she was built. The most remarkable and eventful passage out by the Adamant was in 1875. She sailed from Gravesend on July 14 in command of Captain Birch. The report published in the Invercargill paper stated that Captain Birch (sic) was much given to drink. He kept the ship sailing about the coast of Brazil for three weeks, and on September 17, at 10 o'clock, ran her on a sandbank within hail of the shore, so close that the natives waded out and conversed with those on board. The barque was re-floated within a couple of hours. Eventually the Chief Officer, Mr Tupman Highman, took over command. About six weeks before the vessel arrived at the Bluff Captain Burch died, and was buried at sea. After her long passage of 144 days the provisions were almost exhausted. The Adamant landed 271 immigrants at the Bluff.
White Wings Sir Henry Brett

Arrival of the Adamant
Voyage of the Adamant from the diary of Benjamin Ward (thanks to Bill Ward in Australia)
Requisition by passengers concerning the Captain (thanks to Bill Ward in Australia)
Birth Certificate for John Phillips who was born on board (thanks to Ray Fenwick in Britain)

Copyright Denise & Peter 2000 - 2009

References:
Archives New Zealand  IM15/230
Diary of Benjamin Ward (courtesy Bill Ward)
White Wings