The Gipsey.

The Gipsey, a full-rigged ship of 426 tons, built at Dundee in 1853, made only two voyages to New Zealand, Captain Allan Bolton being in charge. Against adverse winds, she made the passage on the first trip out to Auckland in 103 days, land to land, her greatest day's run being 253 miles. She sailed from the Isle of Wight on the 13th July, and arrived at Auckland on the 25th October, 1854. Instead of coming up the Rangitoto Channel, she followed the course taken by other vessels arriving in Auckland in the early days, and sailed through the Eastern passage. When shepage 152 anchored the yellow flag was flying. Shortly after sailing, fever had broken out on board, and continued most of the passage, resulting in the death of three passengers and one seaman.

The Gipsey brought the first instalment of assisted immigrants to the Province, landing 100 at Auckland. She also had 35 for Wellington, and 30 for Nelson. The ship sailed for Wellington on the 6th November, and arrived there on the 13th, and Nelson on the 26th November.

On the second voyage the Gipsey sailed from London on the 21st June, 1856, direct for New Plymouth. Cape Egmont was sighted on the 10th October. As heavy seas were rolling in, great difficulty was experienced in landing passengers and cargo in the surf boats.

On the 13th October the ship sailed for Auckland, and made a good run to the Three Kings, where she struck a very severe N.E. gale, and for two days lay off and on under close reefed canvas. This gale caused considerable damage to shipping in Auckland harbour. As on her previous voyage, the Gipsey took the Eastern passage when entering the Waitemata. She arrived on the 18th October, and landed 31 passengers.