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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 15, Issue 3 (June 1, 1940)

The Vessel

The Vessel.

The Tory was a three-masted barque of a trifle over 384 tons burthen. Her length was only III feet. She was regarded by all who saw her as a particularly trim craft with fine lines and exceptional sailing qualities. Captain Chaffers was most enthusiastic about her ability and reported on the voyage out that they passed every vessel they had come up with, including some large ships. He even expressed the desire to fall in with a man-of-war to put her to a real test. One interesting feature was her figurehead, which was a large reproduction of the Duke of Wellington, and which strangely enough had nothing to do with the naming of the city. The Tory was the only vessel the New Zealand Land Company ever owned, all the others being chartered. She was built in 1834 and purchased in November, 1838, for £5,250 from Joseph Somes, the Deputy Governor of the page 28 page 29 company, after whom Somes Island is named. Joseph Somes was a most interesting character. He had begun life as a lighterman apprentice on the Thames, and by 1838 was reported to be the largest ship-owner in England.

He died in 1845 worth something between one and two million sterling. The London Times in his obituary stated: “… in the city he was very highly esteemed and naturally enjoyed the great influence which arose from high character and ample capital.” He was, however, a very able man and performed valuable services to the Land Company in arranging the shipping even though he may have been performing valuable services to his own company at the same time. Of the details of the arrangements we are not here concerned. After many setbacks the vessel finally left Gravesend on 5th May, 1839. A very elaborate public luncheon had been held on 29th April, at which the Earl of Durham was present and on 5th May the passengers of the Tory dined with a few friends before going aboard.

The Tory ran round to Plymouth, nearly ending her voyage at the beginning by fouling a schooner on rounding the breakwater. After a delay of four days she finally left England on her adventurous expedition.