Bombay
Records show that Bombay, which takes its regional name from this vessel and is some 50 Kilometres south of Auckland, was first settled by 390 youthful immigrants, most being in their 20’s.
When just north of New Zealand, Bombay lost her bowsprit, fore topmast and main topgallant mast in a squall which saw her having to be taken in tow by two steamships, the Constance and the HMS Curacoa.The ‘Herald’ of March 20, 1865, contains the following account of the arrival of the Bombay:
In 1915, records confirm that some of these settlers were still attending the annual Bombay jubilee and picnic.ARRIVAL OF THE BOMBAY - TOWED IN BY WARSHIP
‘Considerable excitement prevailed in the town during the morning of Saturday, in consequence of the report which had been current that the Curacao had been signaled in sight with a ship dismasted in tow. On arrival in harbour the ship proved to be the Bombay, Captain SELLARS. The ship had been out 111 days from the Downs, with 400 passengers and general cargo. The Bombay had fallen in with the terrific gale which had been experienced along the coast of New Zealand. Much anxiety had been felt as to the condition of the ship and passengers. We are happy to say the passengers were in the best health and spirits and that the ship was a model of cleanliness, evincing the greatest care and attention on the part of her commander and officers. When the condition of the ship is considered, knocked about as she must have been in the gale of two days’ duration, terrific seas running, and freighted with passengers, who had never before been so situated, calm and presence of mind and other sailor-like high qualities were necessary to preserve discipline and prevent anything like disturbance, which in such circumstances might have been fatal. The passengers speak in the very highest terms of their captain."