The Golconda.

The Golconda, an old ship of 688 tons, chartered by the Shaw, Savill Co., in the early 'sixties made four voyages to the Dominion under Captain Montgomery, bringing out a large number of passengers. She first visited Nelson, arriving at that port on December 27th, 1859, after a passage of 110 days. She brought 120 passengers for Nelson. Three deaths occurred during the voyage. Later the vessel sailed for New Plymouth, arriving there on the 8th February, 1860.

In 1861 the passengers and crew had a very trying and anxious time. The ship sailed from Gravesend on the 30th January, and did not reach Wellington until June 10th, the passage having occupied 132 days. Boisterous weather and head winds were experienced in the Channel, and continued nearly the whole voyage, with the exception of a few days calm after crossing the equator. Cape Farewell was sighted on the 7th June, and three days later port was made. She landed 24 passengers.

In 1862 the Golconda made a second voyage to Nelson, arriving at that port on the 14th December, 1862, the passage occupying 116 days. She landed 50 passengers.

The last voyage of the Golconda was to Auckland in 1864. She sailed from London on the 4th January, and Lands End on the 10th. The vessel dropped anchor in Auckland harbour on May 5th, the passage being made in 119 days.