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White Wings Vol I. Fifty Years Of Sail In The New Zealand Trade, 1850 TO 1900
"Star's" Carrier Pigeons
"Star's" Carrier Pigeons.
In the same year, on December 19, after a passage of 93 days, the Jessie Osborne arrived at Auckland from Liverpool, Captain Falconer still being in command. Among the passengers were Mr. and Mrs. Runciman and family, Dr. Allnot, and Mr. and Mrs. Killop, of Parnell—the two last mentioned celebrated their golden wedding in February, 1924. The "Jessie" also had on board 200 immigrants. In those days the "Auckland Star" kept a loft
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of carrier pigeons, and the shipping reporter, by taking these faithful messengers with him, frequently made a scoop for his paper. The ships were often boarded between Rangitoto and Tiri from a waterman's boat. On the occasion of the arrival of the Jessie Osborne, the following message was sent as the ship was approaching Rangitoto Channel, and appeared in the "Auckland Star" the same evening:—"Jessie Osborne has no sickness on board. She has the Health Officer's flag flying, and the decks are dotted with hundreds of expectant passengers, who state they have had an exceedingly pleasant voyage. Dr. Goldsborough, Captain Burgess, and Major Green are on board. (How familiar these names appear to many who are still living in Auckland.) The 'Jessie' is a magnificent iron ship, and the commander, Captain Falconer, is a jolly fellow. His first question after our boarding the ship was: 'What will you take to drink?'" Then followed some details of the voyage and the names of the passengers. When the ship anchored at 7 p.m., the passengers were surprised at receiving copies of the "Star," published at 4 p.m., giving details of the voyage and passengers' names.
the Okta (Jessie Osborne) Stranded At Bluff Harbour.
On this trip the Jessie Osborne, after leaving Gravesend, experienced an unusually long spell of variables and calms until reaching 2 deg. N., when the S.E. trades were met. Owing to unfavourable winds, she was 37 days out before crossing the line. She made some good runs when in the Southern Ocean, and for several days in succession covered over 300 miles. The barque Mendoza, which sailed from London a fortnight before the Jessie Osborne, arrived the day after—September 17.
the Jessie Osborne had a narrow escape from being destroyed by fire. She was taking in cargo at Wellington for the United Kingdom at the time, and was two-thirds loaded. The cargo was taken out, and later restored.