Untitled article by John Orr Corliss

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 27, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 33.

From Auckland to Melbourne.

By John Orr Corliss

In the minds of many, doubtless, New Zealand and Australia are very near neighbors; but it is a fact, however little it may be appreciated, that they are as far removed from each other as the western extremity of Africa and the most eastern point of South America. An islandless ocean stretches between their nearest points for more than a thousand miles. Naturally, there is no similarity or connection whatever between the two countries. The Maories of New Zealand are nearly identical with the natives of Fiji and the other South Sea Islands, while the Bushmen of Australia are more like the natives of Africa. But notwithstanding this great natural distinction, and the broad expanse of water that flows between the shores of these lands, their interests have become identical in the great commercial world, through the numerous lines of steamers that ply between their ports and the marts of other countries.

At Auckland many passengers left us for a tour through the islands of New Zealand, and others embarked at that place for Australia. On the evening of June 1, our vessel steamed out among the islands that stand like so many sentinels to guard the harbor, and nearly all the next day we sailed northward, along the eastern coast of the North Island. The shores about the entire distance, present a bold, rugged front, and the country inland is much broken. It is probably well adapted to that purpose for which it is used, namely, sheep raising.

After passing the group of islands at the northern extremity of New Zealand, known as the Three Kings, we saw no more land till the shores of Australia were sighted. The roughest weather and the largest waves of the entire voyage were encountered after leaving the shores of this island colony. But the distance being short, the unpleasantness was soon over; on the morning of June 6, a little before daylight, we came to anchor in Sydney harbor. At 9 A. M. the anchor was weighed, and in a little more than two hours our noble ship was safely moored to the wharf. Our company, with the exception of Elders Haskell and Israel, who were to remain in Sydney a few days, was immediately transferred to another steamer, and sailed at one o’clock for Melbourne.

While moving down the harbor, we had opportunity to notice the beautiful scenery of the bay and the natural advantages of its situation. Port Jackson is certainly one of the finest havens in the world. After passing in by the heads, we found ourselves in a perfectly land-locked bay, with hills rising on every side, and projecting their promontories into the water, until, like the legs of a spider, the inlets of the bay extend inland at nearly every point of the compass. Much of the city of Sydney lies on these numerous projecting headlands, and communication between the different points of the town, is kept up by means of small steam ferries which run in every direction.

But the smooth water of the harbor was soon exchanged for that of old ocean again, this time for a coasting voyage southward of little less than six hundred miles. A few minutes after leaving the entrance of the harbor, we passed very near to Botany Bay, the place so famous in early days as a place of banishment for English convicts. From our position, it looked the very picture of desolation, being only an indenture in the coast, lined with a long, dreary stretch of sand, and having a few huts erected upon it. It seems, even now, to bear the marks of its early associations, and few care to go there, except for an aimless stroll or from idle curiosity. I believe that a portion of Sydney extends in that direction, and to within a short distance of the place.

On account of head-winds and a heavy sea, our vessel was nearly three days reaching Melbourne. The city itself is situated inland some seven miles from the mouth of a small, and very crooked stream, called, in this country, a river, and bearing the name Yarra Yarra. It is not navigable for large vessels, and these stop at Williamstown, a suburb of Melbourne, which lies near the head of Port Philip, and at the mouth of the river. Our steamer being small (650 tons measurement), it ascended the river without much difficulty, and our destination was at last reached on the twenty-ninth day after leaving San Francisco.

The city of Melbourne has a fine, commanding appearance. It is thoroughly American in its stir and bustle, and in many of its customs. Anything that can be procured in a large city like London or New York, may be purchased in the stores and shops of Melbourne. Its streets are broad and straight; and most of the business blocks are very substantial structures. Its public buildings are as fine as in any city of America, and in some respects, the spirit of public enterprise is truly commendable, one feature of which I will here mention. The Melbourne Free Library holds a commanding eminence in the heart of the city, and is built of stone and brick. It has a frontage of about 250 feet, and a depth of more than 200 feet, and contains 120,000 volumes. It is said to be, with one exception, the largest free library in the world. There are also other places of like character, though much smaller, in the city and its suburbs.

The people here are not so conservative as in England and the countries of Europe. Nearly all seem sociable, and willing to listen to the views of others. It is not so good a time now to get the public ear, on account of being midwinter, which is a rainy season similar to that which yearly visits the Pacific Coast in America. While waiting for the more favorable season of the year, our company are all of good courage, and busily engaged in missionary work, canvassing, etc., hoping in the meantime to become better acquainted with the people, and also to gather some precious souls into the truth. J. O. CORLISS.