HMS Driver - Unexpected Arrival at Sydney
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HM Steamer Driver arrived [Sydney] on Wednesday 10 Jan, 1846, unexpectedly from China, via Swan River and Hobart Town. She has called here to obtain a supply of fuel and provisions preparatory to proceeding to New Zealand.
The names of the officers are Lieutenants Kisbee, Marcuard, Connolly, Bromley, Dr. Houghton, Dr. Costello, and Mr. Crispin. The Driver is a handsome and powerful vessel of about 1058 tons, and 280 horse power, carrying four large guns - two 68-pounders, and two 34-pounders. In consequence of there being no coals for sale in Sydney, and there being some doubts as to the safety of sending a vessel the size and draught of Her Majesty's steamer Driver to Newcastle, it has been determined that vessels shall be sent to bring coals to Sydney for her; she will therefore not sail from Sydney until the end of next week. She also requires 500 tons of coals to be sent to New Zealand.
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Later article in same paper:
H.M.S. "DRIVER."- The Driver left on Monday morning very unexpectedly, at 2 A.M., having received a large supply of coals from a vessel recently arrived from Newcastle. Tenders have been advertised for, to convey five hundred tons of coals to Auckland for her consumption. Several parties who had intended boarding her were disappointed at her sudden departure. She takes £5000 in gold and £5000 in silver for the colonial government of New Zealand.
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