DEPARTURE OF HER MAJESTY'S S. 'GALATEA.'

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 278, 30 November 1870, Page 2

DEPARTURE OF HER MAJESTY'S S. 'GALATEA.'

The third, and in all probability the last> •visit which H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, and the fine frigate, will pay to Port Jackson terminated yesterday. During his stay the ship has undergo extensive repairs at the hands of Mr. Cuthbert, and has left on what may be termed her homeward cruise as taut and trim as the day she was commissioned. 1 p.m. was the hour fixed for sailing, and at noon she was riding to a single anchor, ready for the signal to get under weigh. A large number of spectators had by this time assembled at Lady Macquarie's Chair and on the west side of the Cove. There were also a considerable number on board the steam yachts ' Bronzewing' and ' Fairy'; besides the occupants of the Government steam-launch and a crowd of small boats. A. few minutes before 1 o'clock Commodore Stirling went on board, and Pilot Jenkins having taken charge, the smoke of the time gun scarce disappeared ere the remaining anchor was off the ground. After backing for a few hundred yards, she steamed slowly ahead," passing close to the flagship, while the well-known airs " Home-ward-bound" and " Auld Lnng Syne," performed by the Prince's band, indicated that the voyage had commenced. The Commodore left the ship shortly after she passed G-arden Island, and as soon as she gathered way boats and steamers were rapidly left astern, the ' Bronzewing' being the last to part company. At 2 o'clock, the ' Galatea' being clear of the Heads, discharged her pilot, and, after a brief delay to lift the screw, she was speedily under a cioud of canvas with a strong southerly breeze, which carried her out of sight in about an hour. The ' G-alateaV visit to Noumea will be very short, as it is intended that she will be at Auckland, en route for England, on the 7th proximo. The ' Clio' and ' Blanche' are expected there about the same date. During their visits to Australia the officers of the ' Galatea' have secured a lai'ge circle of friends, many of whom visited the ship ye-terday to soy goodbye, and numerous bouquets of the choicest flowers wore presented as parting mementoes. — S. M. Herald, Nov. 17.