The Wonga Wonga.- this fine steam-ship, which started on her first colonial trip on the 3rd instant, is the sister ship of the City of Sydney. She was built is the Clyde under the supervision of the Secretary of the Company, Mr. Patterson, and is in every respect equal, and in some respects superior, to the City of Sydney. The particulars of her build, tonnage, engines, &c., have on several occasions been mentioned in this journal, and we feel it necessary now only to repeat that her engines were built by Thompson and Co, of Glasgow ; they are direct-acting, and of 180-horse power, nominally, but will work up to 300-horse power. The cylinders are 51 inches is diameter, with 3 feet stroke ; and all the mechanical departments appear is admirable order.

She has great capacity for carrying purposes. Her chief cabin is substantially and beautifully fitted up, and the sleeping berths are commodious and well ventilated. The cabin for second-class passengers is superior, and is equal to the usual fittings of a first-class sailing ship. For third-class passengers the accommodation is clean and comfortable. The Wonga Wonga went down the harbour and about five mile outside the heads on Monday. Some of the directors and shareholders were present, and were highly delighted with her performances. Although steaming against a head-wind, and without her full power being applied, she went along very fast. The scientific gentlemen who were present, pronounced a strong opinion as to the faithfulness of her build, the superiority of her engines, and the strong probability of her becoming a great favorite in the trade between this port and Melbourne. She is commanded by Captain Robert Gilmore, formerly of the Royal Mail steamship Australian. After returning from sea the Wonga Wonga anchored in Watson's Bay, and considerable justice was done to an excellent cold collation which was provided for the occasion. The Chairman, Mr. Robert Campbell, M.L.C., presiding. The Australasian Steam Navigation Company have now a fleet of 18 vessels - all more or less employed in the inter-colonial trade. Captain George Gilmore, the senior master in the Company's employ, was unanimously and appropriately styled "The Commodore."

SG & SGTL Vol 12 ; Page 8 ; 8 Jan 1855

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