page 344

The Lurline.

The handsome little barque Lurline, specially built for and owned by Messrs. C. W. Turner and Co., of Christchurch, was a small vessel of 761 tons, and under Captain Adair made several fast passages out and home. She came first to Lyttelton in 1878, making a remarkably fast passage for a vessel of her size. She originally sailed from Gravesend on 25th November, 1877. During the first night out she experienced a heavy southerly gale, and on the 27th put back to the Downs, and owing to a continuance of the gale lay at anchor until December 2. After a favourable run to the Lizard she took her final departure, and crossed the Line on December 28. Moderate southeast trades prevailed, and the meridan of the Cape was passed on January 27. Fresh north-west and west winds carried the ship to the south of the Crozets, which were passed on January 29. Here several large icebergs were close to the vessel. Tasmania was sighted on 18th February, and the Snares on February 21. The Nuggets were abreast on 22nd February. North-east winds detained the barque on the coast, and she anchored at Lyttelton early on February 26, completing a rapid passage of 86 days from the Downs and 79 land to land.

The long voyage of 128 days on the passage of the Lurline to Auckland in 1887 is accounted for owing to the barque having to put into three different ports to obtain medical assistance for the captain, who was finally landed at Port Elizabeth. Owing to Captain Gibbons falling ill the vessel first put into Pernambuco on September 17; the next port was Rio de Janeiro. Eight days were lost at the two ports. After sailing the captain's health was serious, and he was landed at Port Elizabeth, the chief officer, Mr. Laws, taking over the command. Light baffling winds and head winds met with during the greater part of the voyage were the cause of the long run to Auckland in 1889. The barque took 60 days to the Equator, and was again troubled with light and contrary winds after passing Tasmania.

the Lurline's records were:—