January 30, 1885 - Alfred and Emily depart Sydney aboard the Zealandia

Emily wrote:

On the 30th January 1885, I stood on the deck of the “Zealandia”, amid an eager, moving, excited, and motley crowd. It was a glorious, and therefore a typical Australian, day. A warm sun, a clear sky, everything, on either hand, above, around us, beautiful and bright. The last bell had rung, and the last farewell was said. Partings are always episodes in our lives. Who among us has not had such experiences? Few indeed! What new thing could be said? What could I hope to say under such circumstances? There should be nothing sorrowful in this book of my making.

The Royal Mail SS Zealandia was 376 feet long and 38 feet beam, fitted with four masts, and powered by 2400 horse-power engines.

The Town and Country Journal published a comprehensive description of the vessel when it was first launched in 1876. The article, found here, provides some amazing details about the engineering and layout of the ship and the facilities available for passengers. It also goes on to describe the proposed voyages, giving details of possible stopovers and excursions.

Plans were made for friends and relatives to follow the Zealandia to the heads.

In fact the departure of the Zealandia was delayed due to the late arrival of important mail. This meant that this plan was thwarted. Instead the whole party went on a jaunt up the Parramatta river and the Zealandia left the next day.

More images of the Zealandia:

If they were not already acquainted, the Bennetts would have met Captain Webber and his wife on board R.M.S. Zealandia on the Monday before they left. The Zealandia had been made available as the “flagship” for the Anniversary Day (Australia Day) Regatta on Sydney Harbour. At the luncheon for the official party on board the ship, the numerous toasts (obligatory on such occasions), had included, “The Captain and Officers of the Zealandia”, to which Captain Webber responded, and “The Parliament of New South Wales”, proposed by Alfred. During the voyage they probably regularly enjoyed the privilege of dining at “The Captain’s Table”.