page 348

The Chapman.

the Chapman, a full-rigged ship of 793 tons, was built in Sunderland, and owned by Willis, Gann and Co. She was much superior in accommodation to many other ships sent out by this and other companies in the fifties, and for her size made fairly good passages out and home. She came first to Auckland, leaving London on September 1, 1856. On this voyage she experienced an unusual prevalence of light winds and calms during the first part of the voyage, and as the water and provisions were running out Captain Harland bore up for the Cape and received fresh supplies. the Chapman was then over 75 days out, and she remained at the Cape for six days. In the Southern Ocean she experienced fairly heavy weather, and after passing Tasmania until arrival was again detained by light winds and calms. She arrived in Auckland on the 5th January, 1857, after a tedious passage of 128 days. the Chapman brought to Auckland seven officers and 88 rank and file of the 58th Regiment; also arms, ammunition, and military stores.

the Chapman had a rather eventful voyage to Wellington in 1865. She left the Channel on February 25, and arrived on June 5, making a good passage of 99 days. On this occasion Capt. Feather-stonhaugh was in command, and he had a trying experience with the crew. On June 1 the first officer found some of the watch drunk, the crew having broached a portion of the cargo of spirits. The second mate was attacked by some members of the crew during his watch, and was knocked down and beaten. When the circumstances were reported to the captain, the latter proceeded, revolver in hand, to the forecastle to secure the ringleaders. He was attacked by the crew, and immediately fired, but without wounding anyone. The shot, however, had its moral effect, and the ringleader was arrested. Upon the vessel's arrival in port six of the crew were charged in the Police Court with having combined to disobey lawful commands, and they were sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for periods of eight to twenty-four weeks. On June 12, while the Chapman was at anchor in the harbour, four lives were lost owing to a boating accident. On the same day an unsuccessful attempt was made to set the ship on fire.