The Black Swan.

The passengers by the Black Swan, over 100 in number, had an unusual and rather sensational experience on the passage from Plymouth to Otago in 1862. She was a full-rigged ship of 976 tons, commanded by Captain King. She left the Breakwater at Plymouth on February 17.

The most noticeable circumstance on the voyage was an earthquake, which was distinctly felt on board. The ship, on May 23, was shaken violently, and a peculiar sound was heard, as if she was grating over the bottom, tremor and sound being so marked as to alarm many of the passengers and to turn out the watch below. The vessel reached Port Chalmers on June 5th, 1862.

In command of Captain White, the Black Swan made another voyage to Port Chalmers in 1864. She sailed on the 22nd June, and arrived on October 10th, landing 70 passengers.

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The Black Swan visited Wellington on one occasion only. She sailed from London on December 21st, 1865, in command of Captain White, and arrived on April 30th, 1866, making a long passage of 129 days. She met with strong contrary winds in the Channel, and encountered the storm in which the London foundered in the Bay of Biscay. Boats were carried away, the head of the mainmast was sprung, and many sails blown to shreds. During the storm the ship behaved admirably. For the last three weeks the passengers and crew were on reduced water allowance.