“Dharwar.”
The Dharwar, which was one of Harland & Wolff’s finest productions, originally belonged to the Indian “Iron Ship Company.” Though the company made money in the early sixties, a slump in freights brought it into the hands of the Receiver after a very short existence. The Dharwar sailed for England in 1868, and on her arrival was bought by John Willis, who always had an eagle eye for a good ship. He fitted her for emigrants and during the seventies she was usually carrying passengers outward; later she became a favourite Sydney trader, and when loading at Circular Quay was usually to be seen on the cross berth opposite the old Paragon Hotel. A beautifully built ship, with teakwood decks, the Dharwar was also a very consistent performer, and made a good name for herself under Captain Freebody. Before settling down in the Australian trade, Captain Freebody took her to Calcutta sometimes for a Dundee jute cargo, he also took her across the Pacific, and made a very fine passage from Frisco to Liverpool in 1872-3 of 97 days. As late as 1902 I find the old ship arriving at Fremantle on 24th May, 80 days out from Barry. Willis eventually sold her to the Swedes, who sent her to the ship-breakers in 1909, after 45 years of service.