The London Missionary Society's, ship John Williams, of which we give a sketch in the present number of the News, arrived in Hobson's Bay on the 19th ult., and during the week of her stay was an object of great interest to the community. About 5000 visited her on the occasion of her Majesty's birthday. The name borne by this craft is one of historic fame in the annals of missionary enterprise, and is suggestive of many heroic reminiscences. The work in which she is engaged is that of conveying missionaries to the various stations in the South Sea Islands, and she has been built expressly for her work. In size she is 133 feet over all, by 25 feet beam, and 15 foot depth of hold. There is little for show on the upper dock, everything being for use. The poop extends forward as far as the mainmast, and the after cabin is a beautiful apartment beneath it, with state-rooms on each side, amply furnished with all the comforts and conveniences which the missionaries may require, either in the course of their long voyage from Europe, or in the shorter voyages which they sometimes make with native teachers from island to island. In the hold is cargo to the extent of 200 tons. . She was built by Messrs Hall and. Co., of Aberdeen, at a total cost of £8000. On board the John Williams were five missionaries, namely, the Rev. Messrs Michie, Davies, Watson, Chalmers, and Saville, who have had spheres of labor appointed them at different stations in the South Sea Islands. An enthusiastic meeting to welcome those missionaries was held in Chalmers' Church; Eastern-hill, on the evening of the 22nd ult., at which the Rev. A. M. Henderson, the president of the Victorian Auxiliary of the London Missionary Society presided, and several excellent speeches were delivered by clergymen of various denominations. After a brief visit to Geelong, the John Williams proceeded to Hobart Town and Sydney, previous to her departure for the Polynesian Islands.
Source: The Missionary Ship John Williams (1866, June 27). The Australian News for Home Readers (Vic. : 1864 - 1867), p. 8.
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