Arthur D. Edwardes : SUMMARY RECORD [PRG 1373] • Photograph
The 'Holmsdale' at Port Augusta
Wooden ship 'Holmsdale', 1250 tons, at Port Augusta [wooden ship 1257 gross tons. ON 31590. 206.8 x 37.7 x 22.4. Built 1858, J Reed, Sunderland. Owners Phillips and Co. registered London. c.1872 Bilbe and Co. who placed the ship under the management of Anderson, Anderson and Co., and she operated as a unit in the Orient Line. The ship ultimately passed to the ownership of Anderson, Anderson and Co. Sold to Norwegian owners she went missing in 1897. Originally employed in the India and China trades, upon sale to Bilbe and operating as an Orient liner she commenced in the Australian trade, her usual voyages being outward to South Australia and homeward from Melbourne. There is an abstract of her homeward log in 1883 in 'Blackwall Frigates'. In 'Colonial Clippers' there is a mention of her appearance in the Australian Wool Trade in various years, without much detail and 'Blackwall Frigates' gives some additional, sketchy information.]
The 'Yatala' at Port Adelaide
Composite ship 'Yatala', 1127 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1227 tons, ON53737, 203.4 x 34.6 x 21.1. Built 1865 (5) Thomas Bilbe and Co., London. Owners: Anderson, Anderson and Co., (J Anderson) registered London (iron framed hull, wood planked, metal and galvanised iron bolts) Noted as a 'passenger clipper' this ship shared the honour of a 65 day passage London to Adelaide (pilot to pilot) with the 'City of Adelaide' until the 'Torrens' lowered the record. (There is a table of her time elapsed passages, p.130 'Colonial Clippers') The vessel was wrecked in 1872. She left Port Adelaide December 18, 1871 in company with 'Beltana'. 'Yatala' went ashore near Cape Gris-Nez March 27, 1872, when almost home. Her cargo was mostly saved and there was no loss of life but the ship became a total loss].
'The Murray' shortly after launch
Wooden ship 'The Murray', 903 tons, shortly after her launch.
'The Murray' at Port Adelaide
Wooden ship 'The Murray', 903 tons, at Port Adelaide [wooden ship, 903 tons, ON29788, 193.0 x 33.2 x 20.0. Built 1861 (5) Hall. Aberdeen. Owners: Anderson and Co., registered London. The last Orient liner to be built completely of wood (subsequent vessels were of composite build until the change to iron) In her early days, at least, employed in the UK-Adelaide trade. Note from Parsons: 'It is unusual to incorporate the word 'the' in the name of a ship; it often confused compilers of official records in any search of MNL, Lloyds etc,. check under 'Murray' as well as 'The Murray'].
The 'Coonatto' at Port Adelaide
Wooden ship 'Coonatto', 633 tons, at Port Adelaide. [Mispelt as Coonatta in album] Photographed in the South Australia Company basin, Port Adelaide, 1867. [Composite ship, 633 tons, ON47320. 160.2 x 29.0 x 18.7. Built 1863 (4) Bilbe, London. Owners Anderson, registered London. Considered to be a clipper and often in the South Australian trade. This vessel was wrecked on Beachy Head, England in 1876 (21 Feb) Spent all of her short career in the UK-Australia trades. Her best run is reputed to have been of 66 days to the Semaphore lightship.]
The 'Heather Bell' docked in Newcastle
The wooden barque 'Heather Bell', 479 tons, docked in Newcastle, with the Coutts Sailor's Home in view to the furthest right. [wooden ship, later barque rigged, 472 tons, later 575 and then 479 tons (due to minor alterations and remeasurements) 155.0 x 28.5 x 17.5. Built 1855 Hall, Aberdeen. ON32005. Owners: built for Thomas Brown and Co., registered Hobart: sold to Samuel Tullock and registered Launceston: acquired in early 1870s by Anderson, Anderson and Co., and registered London (reversing a more common trend of Australian owners buying from English proprietors) returned to Australian owners at Melbourne in 1881. In October 1882 owned by George Bailey and registered Port Adelaide. In August 1888 sold to owners in Newcastle, NSW and believed to have been allowed to rot on the bank, however Lubbock states she was broken up in Sydney in 1894. Until her sale toward the end of the 1870s this vessel was regularly employed in the UK-Australian trade and initially was employed sailing to Tasmania, upon sale to Anderson she commenced to trade more frequently to Sydney and Melbourne. The ship was famous for an exceptionally fast run to England of 67 days in 1856 that was seldom bettered ('Vanished Fleets', by Villiers, page 220 gives full details and also 'Colonial Clippers' page 127 and 128. Australian owners available from AMHS on request).
The 'Heather Bell' in Port Adelaide
The wooden barque 'Heather Bell', 479 tons, in Port Adelaide [wooden ship, later barque rigged, 472 tons, later 575 and then 479 tons (due to minor alterations and remeasurements) 155.0 x 28.5 x 17.5. Built 1855 Hall, Aberdeen. ON32005. Owners: built for Thomas Brown and Co., registered Hobart: sold to Samuel Tullock and registered Launceston: acquired in early 1870s by Anderson, Anderson and Co., and registered London (reversing a more common trend of Australian owners buying from English proprietors) returned to Australian owners at Melbourne in 1881. In October 1882 owned by George Bailey and registered Port Adelaide. In August 1888 sold to owners in Newcastle, NSW and believed to have been allowed to rot on the bank, however Lubbock states she was broken up in Sydney in 1894. Until her sale toward the end of the 1870s this vessel was regularly employed in the UK-Australian trade and initially was employed sailing to Tasmania, upon sale to Anderson she commenced to trade more frequently to Sydney and Melbourne. The ship was famous for an exceptionally fast run to England of 67 days in 1856 that was seldom bettered ('Vanished Fleets', by Villiers, page 220 gives full details and also 'Colonial Clippers' page 127 and 128. Australian owners available from AMHS on request).
The 'Heather Bell' in Port Adelaide
The wooden barque 'Heather Bell', 479 tons, in Port Adelaide [wooden ship, later barque rigged, 472 tons, later 575 and then 479 tons (due to minor alterations and remeasurements) 155.0 x 28.5 x 17.5. Built 1855 Hall, Aberdeen. ON32005. Owners: built for Thomas Brown and Co., registered Hobart: sold to Samuel Tullock and registered Launceston: acquired in early 1870s by Anderson, Anderson and Co., and registered London (reversing a more common trend of Australian owners buying from English proprietors) returned to Australian owners at Melbourne in 1881. In October 1882 owned by George Bailey and registered Port Adelaide. In August 1888 sold to owners in Newcastle, NSW and believed to have been allowed to rot on the bank, however Lubbock states she was broken up in Sydney in 1894. Until her sale toward the end of the 1870s this vessel was regularly employed in the UK-Australian trade and initially was employed sailing to Tasmania, upon sale to Anderson she commenced to trade more frequently to Sydney and Melbourne. The ship was famous for an exceptionally fast run to England of 67 days in 1856 that was seldom bettered ('Vanished Fleets', by Villiers, page 220 gives full details and also 'Colonial Clippers' page 127 and 128. Australian owners available from AMHS on request).
The 'Orient' and 'White Eagle' in Port Adelaide
The 'Orient' (left) and 'White Eagle' (right) at Port Adelaide ['White Eagle' = iron ship, 879 gross,ON31755, 203.3 x 32.8 x 20.9. Built 1855 A Stephens and Sons, Kelvinhaugh, Glasgow (Lubbock infers this vessel was built on the Thames, but that is not so) Owners: J MacFarlane, registered Glasgow; then c. early 1860s Robinson, registered London. About 1868 to Bilbe and Co., registered London (who placed her under the management of Anderson, Anderson - Orient Line); 1876 sold to New Zealand Shipping Co. Ltd., and registered Dunedin, New Zealand and in July 1877 renamed 'Pareora'. Under that name was broken up in 1888. At least under the management of the Orient Line was a visitor to Australian ports, and possibly prior to her acquisition by Bilbe. From the time of her sale to New Zealand Shipping Company, until renamed, she made at least one voyage to New Zealand; visiting Auckland in October 1876. See 'Colonial Clippers' by Lubbock].
The 'Pareora' moored at Port Chalmers, New Zealand.
The iron ship 'Pareora', 879 tons, formerly named the 'White Eagle' [from the time of her acquisition by New Zealand Shipping Co. Ltd., the ship remained in the England-NZ passenger trade. In the period she took passengers to Auckland arriving Sept. 1878 and March 1882. To Wellington arriving July 1879, July 1880, April 1881, Jan. 1883. To Lyttelton arriving Oct. 1884. To Port Chalmers arriving Oct 1877, Nov. 1883. To New Plymouth arriving Dec. 1885. Reference 'White Wings' by Henry Brett 1924].
The 'Darra' anchored in an unidentified port
The composite ship, 'Darra', 999 tons, anchored in an unidentified port [composite ship, 999 tons. ON52729. 190.0 x 33.5 x 21.0. Built 1865 (6) A. Hall and Co. Aberdeen. Owners Anderson, Anderson and Co. Registered London. By the end of the 1870's the vessel had been rigged down to a barque. In 1885 acquired by Trinder, Anderson and Co. (not connected with Anderson, Anderson and Co) registered Aberdeen. Throughout her life associated with the Australian trade. Under the Orient flag the Darra was more familiar with the eastern coast of Australia, while under the Trinder Anderson flag she was more prone to visit the western shores. The vessel was hulked in New Zealand, having been sold to Australian owners in 1888, and the Westport Coal Company in 1899, and very likely hulked about the same time, if not earlier].
The 'Hesperus' at anchor
The iron ship, 'Hesperus', 1777 tons, at anchor [iron ship, 1859 gross tons. ON68500, 262.2 x 39.7 x 23.5. Built 1873 (11) R Steele and Co. Greenock. Owners: J Anderson (Anderson,Anderson and Co.) registered London, sold 1890 to Devitt and Moore, sold in 1899 she became the Russian 'Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna' then British again as 'Silvana' and under that name was broken up at Genoa in the 1920s. As an Orient Line vessel she remained in the Adelaide trade almost without a break until sale in 1890 put her into the eastern coast trade as a training ship for cadets under Lord Brassey's scheme. After sale to the Russians she remained a training ship up to the time of the outbreak of WW1. In the Adelaide run she was always a favourite passenger ship and although not noted for speed was regarded as very comfortable and regular].
The 'Invercauld' at Port Adelaide
The wooden barque 'Invercauld', 1247 tons, at Port Adelaide [wooden ship, 1320 gross tons, 1247 net tons, ON70437, 222.6 x 36.9 x 21.3. Built 1874 (9) Humphrey, Aberdeen. Owners: 1882 = Aitken and Co. registered Aberdeen, by 1885 sold to renamed 'Orion' by owners in Arendal] This illustration to be re0checked. It is likely that the vessel is a barque of similar size owned by other Aberdeen owners and constructed in 1891.
The 'Glen Osmond' in unidentified port
The composite ship 'Glen Osmond', 776 tons, in unidentified port [composite barque, 776 gross tons, later 780 tons. ON56864, 172.3 x 33.5 x 18.0. Built 1867 (8) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners W Stevens, registered London, later WG Elder, registered London, and sometimes owned by AL Elder. Renamed 'Zora' owned by M Ivetta, of Ragusa, Austria-Hungary. Wrecked at Spykerplaat 7 Dec. 1895 on a voyage from Antwerp towards Buenos Aires. Popular passenger vessel in the Adelaide trade in her early days. Fate as yet unlocated. Drops from Lloyds c.1890].
The 'Collingrove' at Port Adelaide
The composite barque 'Collingrove', 861 tons, at Port Adelaide. [composite ship reduced to a barque c.1890. 861 gross tons. ON60990. 181.4 x 33.5 x 19.6. Built 1869 (7). J. Laing, Sunderland. Owners W. Stevens, registered London early 1870s to AL Elder and Co. About 1900 sold to owners in Shanghai. A regular visitor to Port Adelaide from the time she was built until the late 1890's.]
The 'Collingrove' at Port Adelaide
The composite barque 'Collingrove', 861 tons, at Port Adelaide. [composite ship reduced to a barque c.1890. 861 gross tons. ON60990. 181.4 x 33.5 x 19.6. Built 1869 (7). J. Laing, Sunderland. Owners W. Stevens, registered London early 1870s to AL Elder and Co. About 1900 sold to owners in Shanghai. A regular visitor to Port Adelaide from the time she was built until the late 1890's.]
The 'Collingrove' at Port Adelaide
The composite barque 'Collingrove', 861 tons, at Port Adelaide. [composite ship reduced to a barque c.1890. 861 gross tons. ON60990. 181.4 x 33.5 x 19.6. Built 1869 (7). J. Laing, Sunderland. Owners W. Stevens, registered London early 1870s to AL Elder and Co. About 1900 sold to owners in Shanghai. A regular visitor to Port Adelaide from the time she was built until the late 1890's.]
The 'Beltana' on Fletcher's Slip
The composite ship 'Beltana', 934 tons, on Fletcher's Slip. [Composite ship, 734 tons. ON60951 172.5 x 33.6 x 19.2. Built 1869 (4) J. Laing. Sunderland. Owners W Stevens registered London early 1870's to AL Elder and Co. Built for the South Australian trade, as her name implies, she was acquired by Elder in the first years of her life and gained some unwelcome publicity when her captain, Richard Angel, got her ashore on Kangaroo Island, 20 August 1871 on his way to load wool at Port Augusta. Having successfully refloated the vessel he did not report it. Having completed loading he set out for England, but commenced leaking so badly that he had to take the ship into Port Adelaide for repairs (photo shows her on the slip being repaired). As a result he was dismissed his ship. Ordered to load wool at Lyttelton, NZ in 1874 the ship caught fire and was badly burnt but was repaired and resumed trading. Colonial Clippers: 130 et. seq. SA Register 5 Dec 1871. Aust. Ency. 1926 (Wrecks, cas. etc)].
The 'Beltana' at Port Adelaide
The barque 'Beltana', 934 tons, at Port Adelaide. [Composite ship, 734 tons. ON60951 172.5 x 33.6 x 19.2. Built 1869 (4) J. Laing. Sunderland. Owners W Stevens registered London early 1870's to AL Elder and Co. Built for the South Australian trade, as her name implies, she was acquired by Elder in the first years of her life and gained some unwelcome publicity when her captain, Richard Angel, got her ashore on Kangaroo Island, 20 August 1871 on his way to load wool at Port Augusta. Having successfully refloated the vessel he did not report it. Having completed loading he set out for England, but commenced leaking so badly that he had to take the ship into Port Adelaide for repairs (photo shows her on the slip being repaired). As a result he was dismissed his ship. Ordered to load wool at Lyttelton, NZ in 1874 the ship caught fire and was badly burnt but was repaired and resumed trading. Colonial Clippers: 130 et. seq. SA Register 5 Dec 1871. Aust. Ency. 1926 (Wrecks, cas. etc)].
The 'Torrens' at Port Adelaide
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' at Port Adelaide
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' in New Dock, Port Adelaide
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, in the new dock at Port Adelaide. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' at Port Adelaide
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide. This is the earliest photograph of the 'Torrens'. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' in the Southern Ocean
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, becalmed in the Southern Ocean. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' in Port Adelaide after striking an iceberg
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide after striking an iceburg. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London. Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. The long term part-owner and first master of the Torrens was Captain Henry Robert Angel, who commanded the Torrens from 1875-1890. Next skipper was Captain W.H. Cope, (1890-1896). Captain Henry Robert Angel's son, Falkland Angel commanded the Torrens from 1896 until she was sold to Italian owners in 1906. Torrens' last voyage from Port Adelaide was 1903. Captain Sydney Angel was a nephew of Captain Henry Robert Angel who was the part owner and first commander of the Torrens. Sydney Angel was the son of Captain Richard Angel, who commanded the Beltana, also for the Elder Line. Sydney Angel served his early sea years on the Torrens, but he was never her master or owner. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' in Port Adelaide with crew
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide after striking an iceburg in the Southern Ocean on 11th January 1899. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' undergoing repair in Fletcher's Slip
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, undergoing repairs on Fletcher's Slip, Port Adelaide. She returned to England, with a straight stem, where a new bow was fitted. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' at Port Adelaide with new bow and spike bowsprit
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Torrens' at Port Adelaide with new bow, figurehead and spike bowsprit
The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide after receiving a new bow, figurehead and spike bowsprit. The composite ship 'Torrens', 1276 tons, at Port Adelaide [composite ship, 1335 gross tons, 1276 net tons. ON73595. 222.1 x 38.1 x 21.5. Built 1875 (10) J Laing, Sunderland. Owners: AL Elder and others, registered London (the others included her long time master, Captain SH Angel, not the one associated with 'Beltana'). Sold 1903 to Italian owners, and broken up in 1910. With the exception of the 'Loch' ships the last sailing ship to regularly carry passengers in the Australian-England trade. A very lengthy and comprehensive item in 'Colonial Clippers' gives an outline history. See pages 132 onwards. The damage caused by an iceberg, shown in some of the illustrations demonstrates the immense strength of the vessel. There are innumerable references to this vessel in books, newspaper cuttings etc. as she was a favourite passenger ship with a long career. Latter day writers frequently have called her 'The Wonderful Torrens'].
The 'Grasmere' under tow
The iron barque 'Grasmere', 1304 tons, under tow [steam tug Defiance, wooden ss, 64 gross tons. ON83635. 83.0 x 18.0 x 7.2 (after 1905 49 gross tons) Built 1881 (7) Rock Davis, Blackwall, Brisbane Water NSW. Owners (acquired from Sydney March 1889) WR Cave, registered Port Adelaide, March 1889, The Adelaide Steam Tug Co. Ltd. Vessel broken up in 1930. Further background see Steam Tugs in South Australia by Parsons, 1972] [Grasmere = iron ship, 1364 gross ton, ON74488, 226.0 x 36.1 x 22.1. Built 1875 (12) Whitehaven, SB Co. Whitehaven. Owners: Fisher and Sprott, registered Liverpool. By the mid 1880s had been rigged down to a barque, and by 1910 had been sold to Norwegians who retained the same name. Although said to have been employed regularly in the Australian trade for many years apart from three trips to New Zealand (in 1883, 1885, and 1887 each time under charter to the New Zealand Shipping Company), information of her activities in Australia has proved difficult to locate. 'Last of the Windjammers' Vol. 1 p.168 and 170 notes some brief detail. (In which he draws a wrong conclusion, saying that her lengthy trips were a result of being rigged as a barque, against similar ships being rigged as a ship. The longest elapsed time for the trip was when she was rigged as a ship, her quicker times being after she was rigged down)].