07/11/1874 - 21/01/1875

The ship CITY OF MADRAS is another of the celebrated City Line, and externally is remarkably fine looking, and it is not astonishing that she made a good voyage. She left London on November 7, and had moderate weather until she landed the pilot at the Start on the 11th. A fine run of winds caused a fair voyage to the Line, which was crossed in 31 ½° W. on December 2. The south-east trades were brisk, but lasted only a short time. However, on getting away to 34° S. smart winds were fallen in with until reaching the meridian of the Leuwin, where the breezes became contrary, and til the day before her arrival baffling winds prevailed. From the time of hauling to the north-ward light N.E. airs have been provokingly prevalent. The City will be moored in harbour about Friday. COLLISION AT SEA - One of the most narrow escapes from fatality occurred during the voyage of the ship City of Madras. The master states that the vessel was between the island of Fernando Norunho and the Brazillian coast when the Anazi was signalled. She was a composite barque, of 468 tons, bound from London to Auckland. A whole sail breeze was blowing, and after communicating for a while by means of flags the Anazi bore down to be within speaking distance. Somehow she overshot the mark, and collided with the City just before the mizenmast. The "way" of the more powerful vessel took the two clear of each other, but not before considerable damage had been done. The barque found her iron competitor an awkward companion, for in an instant the cut-water, figure-head, and head gear were sacrificed, not, however, until she had left her mark on the iron ship as she dropped astern. The occurrence began with reeving the jibboom the fore side of the mizenmast, then the topgallant rail and port mizen rigging were carried away. Sweeping further aft the deck aft the deck-house was stove in, and the spanker-boom and gaff came down "by the run". The wheel and steering gear stood high over the poop, so it was unceremoniously removed, and only a couple of the wheel-spokes were left. After the vessels separated the master of the Anazi boarded the City, and expressed his regret at the occurrence, and the vessels having had quite sufficient close company separated, and shaped fresh courses. The damage done to the City gave the carpenter plenty of work before the gear was again aloft, but by smart efforts the damages were repaired and all sail was set to a fine fair wind. The Register 22/1/1875.