Although she made only three voyages to New Zealand, as far as I am aware, the Ben Nevis, a vessel of 1053 tons, was well-known in the colonies, being in the Australian trade for a number of years during which she was a favourite with passengers. She is also remembered by old shipping hands in New Zealand by reason of her sensational voyage in 1897 when she nearly met with complete disaster. Launched in June, 1868, from the yards of Barclay, Curle and Company, of Glasgow, she was chartered along with the Loch Awe by Messrs. Aitken and Lilburn, of Glasgow, for the Australian trade, this arrangement being made pending the completion of the first six ships of the "Loch" line, as they used to call the Glasgow Shipping Company, of which the firm mentioned were managing owners. The first appearance of the Ben Nevis in New Zealand waters was in 1880 when she visited Auckland, arriving there on January 11 after a rather long passage for this ship of 101 days.

the Ben Nevis was commanded by Captain Mackie during the first two voyages to New Zealand. This fine sailor had retired from the sea, but owing to the smash of the Glasgow Bank in 1878, in which he lost his life's earnings, he found it necessary to go to sea once more.

It is now 44 years since the Ben Nevis anchored in the Waitemata. Many of the passengers by this ship have held important positions in Auckland and other parts of the Dominion. Among those who landed here were Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Smith, who with Mr. Caughey founded the important drapery firm of Smith and Caughey. Mr. Smith died several years ago, but Mrs. Smith still resides in Auckland. Other well-known and respected citizens by the Ben Nevis were Mr. A. J. Entrican, merchant, who established the wholesale firm which bears his name, and who has held many important positions in connection with our civic government; Mr. A. J. Ferriday, well known in musical circles; Mr. Walton, for many years with the New Zealand railways, now retired; Mr. Johnston, several years Mayor of Te Aroha, whose only son was lost when the Wairarapa was wrecked at the Great Barrier; with others.

Her next visit was to Dunedin, where she arrived on September 21, 1882, 93 days out from London docks.