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Steamer Clarence

1852

On Wednesday the new steamer Clarence arrived at Morpeth on her first trip. We have not yet had an opportunity of inspecting her, but her passengers unite in speaking of her as a very fine boat, promising to be very fast when her bottom is cleaned, and a remarkably easy boat.  She will carry a large cargo, 160 tons it is stated, below, and will therefore be of the greatest value in clearing off the produce that has been so long accumulating on the river and in many cases spoiling), from want of means of shipment. So great was the anxiety to take advantage of the opportunity of shipping, that cargo sufficient for two or three trips was ready for her at the wharf on arrival, and she consequently left, on Thursday morning, deeply laden. We are informed that the wise precaution was taken, on her passage down, of waiting to pass the Flats at pretty high tide, so that she did not leave Newcastle till late on Thursday evening.

We are indebted for the following graphic account of her passage up from Sydney to Captain Lodge, one of her passengers:

"East Maitland, June 30 1852. The appearance of the new steamboat Clarence on the waters of the Hunter is doubtless an event of considerable interest to numbers living in the district, and the first trip will be much discussed, owing to her having started from Sydney at the same time with the Thistle. Although only a few hours have lapsed since the arrival of the boats at Morpeth, so many contradictory accounts of the passage have got into circulation, that I am induced to put you in possession of the facts as near as I am able, being a passenger by the Clarence. At 10 pm of Tuesday both boats were ready for starting; the Thistle with her head out from the A.S.N. Co. Wharf; and the Clarence, with her head up the harbour at the Phoenix Wharf. Whilst the people on the wharf were cheering the Clarence, and being responded to from the vessel, some ropes were by mistake let go, and she had to return to the wharf to get them fast again. This time the rope or ropes held on, but the place to which they were secured gave way, and caused considerable delay in getting the boat round. In the meantime the Thistle started fair, and was out of sight, and when the Clarence made her final start must have been well down the harbour. When we got down to the Heads, the Thistle was seen about three miles ahead, apparently under all sail. What took place during the night I know nothing of but upon coming on deck again at 4 am of this day, the Newcastle light appeared about six or seven miles off, and at 4.30 we saw a vessel carrying a light entering the harbour. The vessel appeared about five miles from us. The Clarence at this time going at about a quarter speed. This light I conclude must have been the Thistle's ; at all events we saw no more of her till we got to Morpeth. The Clarence remained outside till broad daylight, and then ran into the harbour; and, owing to vessels being in the channel, had twice to let her anchor go before getting to the wharf. She remained at Newcastle till about 9 am, and then proceeded up the river, making the passage from Newcastle to Morpeth in about three hours, exclusive of stoppages, against a strong ebb tide and a considerable fresh in the river. The Clarence has not been cleaned since her long overseas voyage, her officers and crew have had but little experience in the trade, and many of them none at all; but I think few people can take a passage by her without being convinced that she is the fastest and most comfortable steamboat that has as yet appeared in Australian waters and that should she continue in the Hunter River trade the first complaint we shall hear will be that her cabins are not large enough for the demand there will be for room"

Maitland Mercury 3July 1852

The Clarence was soon advertised for sale. The Advertisement included the following description:

' The Clarence is an Iron Steam Ship built by Mr. Laird of Birkenhead. She is fitted with two new side Lever Engines, constructed by Messrs Fawcett and Preston of Liverpool, of 60 horse power each, with Tubular Boiler, and all modern improvements (with additional machinery for extinguishing fire, filling boiler, and pumping ship)

The Building of this ship was superintended by Captain Wiseman, who went to England expressly for the purpose.

The Clarence is of 383 tons, builder's measurement, 150 feet long between the perpendiculars, 23 feet beam between the paddle boxes, and 11 feet depth of hold. She draws when laden 7 feet 6 inches of water. She has a raised Quarter deck 3 feet high, and is remarkably roomy on deck. She carries 80 tons of coals in her coal burners, and her capacity for stowage of cargo is very large, as she can carry 240 bales wool below hatches.

Her accommodations, both fore and aft, are of a very superior description, and on her trial trip she accomplished, under steam, upwards of 12 knots an hour.

She is admirably adapted for all inter-colonial trade. Has proved herself a first rate sea boat, and capable of contending with high seas and tempestuous weather. '

Maitland Mercury September 1852

From Sydney to Morpeth 1840's

Accident at Morpeth Wharf 1852