The South Australian/1844/Sailing of the 'Symmetry'

by Anonymous

Port Adelaide—sailing the of the "Symmetry."

Yesterday was quite a gala day at the Port. The occasion of this was the embarking of the passengers by the Symmetry, by which ship several old and respected colonists leave on a visit to their native land.

The excitement was materially increased by the fact that, by this vessel, three of the aborigines are proceeding to England, and in consequence of this a body of the natives, upwards of one hundred in number, proceeded to the Port yesterday morning to say good-bye to their old companions. Two of the natives go along with Mr Eyre, and the third with Mr Foster. Mr Byre kindly presented each of the natives who visited the Port with a piece of bread, and other presents were also given to several of them. A great number of them afterwards went on board the Symmetry, where they were kindly treated by Capt. Elder, who, along with his passengers, and many of their friends and acquaintances, were on board.

They afterwards returned to the shore, and proceeded to Adelaide, the children in drays, and the men and women on foot.

A great number of ladies and gentlemen visited the Port during the day—some to say farewell to their friends, and others merely to witness the embarkation of the passengers, among whom, as we have already said, are several old and respected colonists.

The passengers are—Mrs Elder and servant; Edward John Eyre, Esq., Resident Magistrate of Moorunde, and two native boys; Anthony Foster, Esq., and one native boy; Robert Gouger, Esq., Colonial Treasurer (on leave of absence), his lady, two children, and two servants; Dr. and Mrs Knott, four children, and servant; Dr. J. P. Smith and lady; Mr Chas. Bagot, jun.; Mr James Burrell; Mr Thomas Smith; Mr Alex. Murray; and Mr Biggs.

She carries to London a cargo of one thousand one hundred and ninety bales of wool, besides other colonial produce, as will be seen by the following copy of her manifest;—116 bundles whalebone, shipped by Hagen & Co.; 7 bundles whalebone, John Baker; 19 tons lead ore, L. Gilles; 87 tons copper ore, Capt. Bagot; 289 bags wheat, Miller & Bryden; 1 case goods, J. C. Scott; 2 cases goods, 1 do. specimens, 1 case old copper, 16 bales wool, Collyer; 35 bales wool, J. Grainger; 93 bales wool, C. H. Bagot; 12 bales wool, P. J. Todd; 31 bales wool, J. B. Neales; 37 bales wool, J. Warnock; 75 bales wool, J. B. Hughes; 32 bales wool, Hamilton & Co.; 40 bales wool, E.C. Stirling; 580 bales wool, A. L. Elder; 109 bales wool, Thomas Shepherd; 1 case, 1 cask gum, Levi; 21 casks, 1 case gum, 4 cases specimens, Thomas Smith; 21 bales wool, John Morphett; 3 bales wool, A. Harriot; 13 tons bark, 1196 horns, 1 case nut galls, 2 cases and 2 casks gum, 10 cases tallow, W. Peacock; 15 bales wool, Ř. F. Macgeorge; 27 bales wool, R. Roberts; 70 bales wool, A. Forster; 115 sacks wheat, A. L. Elder; 1 bundle whalebone, 1 case gum, specimens, H. W. Phillips; 1 box specimens, J. H. Pace; 2 cases do., J. Bishop; 1 do., D. Bruce; 4 tons lead ore, H. W. Phillips.

This is, we believe, the most valuable cargo that ever was shipped from Port Adelaide.

Captain Elder takes with him the best wishes of every one who knows him, and, indeed, we may say of the colonists generally, and we trust the hope he lately expressed publicly will be realised, and that by this time twelve months, we shall have the pleasure of welcoming him again to the colony, accompanied by "a noble band of Scotsmen," and Englishmen too.

About 4 o'clock the Symmetry hauled from alongside the Ville de Bordeaux into the middle of the stream, and then proceeded to Snapper Point. She will go to sea, we believe, this morning at daylight, weather permitting.