ARRIVAL OF THE ALMA
Wellington Independent May 16th 1857

Our sincere thanks to Liz Thompson and Len Dangerfield for their help in providing this information.

The ship Alma, one of James Baines & Co's Black Ball line of packets, arrived last night, from Liverpool, after a passage of 90 days bringing English intelligence up to the 13th February. She has brought 410 Cabin, intermediate and steerage passengers. Four deaths, (infants) and 2 births occurred on board, during the voyage. The following is a brief summary of the latest European Intelligence which we have extracted from the Liverpool papers.

Parliament was opened on the 3rd February, by Commission

Persia has openly declared war against England, and Russia had protested against the demands of England on Persia

ARRIVAL OF THE ALMA
The New Zealand Spectator May 16th 1857

The 'Alma',Captain Ross,one of Messrs Baines & Co's Black Ball line of vessels arrived last night after a favourable passage of ninety two days. We are sincerely glad to be able to report that there has been no sickness on board during the voyage,and from the testimonials to her commander,from both cabin and steerage passengers,which we publish elsewhere it will be seen that the passengers express themselves well satisfied with the trreatment they experienced.During the voyage there have been 3 births and 4 deaths (children). Through the courtesy of Captain Ross we have received the English papers of 11 February,from which will be found extracts of the latest European intelligence.

Wellington,15 May 1857 - To Captain Hugh Ross
Dear Sir - We beg to present you with this sextant as a token of our regard and as a remembrance of the voyage we have made in theAlma under your charge,and you may believe that though we part here,you will leave none but wellwishers behind you. We shall not soon forget your cordiality and kindness and hope that the voyage through life of you and yours may be as prosperous and pleasant as our passage in the Alma . H W Carr,G D Hamilton,A E Ellice,Ben Tydd,P Houghton,R Malcolm,A Mariette

Wellington, New Zealand, May 1857 - To Captain Hugh Ross
Dear Sir - While we feel most grateful to Almighty God for his manifold mercies to us,we do most sincerely and gratefully thank you for your kindness and consideration for our comfort on all occassions;and we take this opportunity of expressing our admiration of the consumate seamanship you have displayed,which has resulted in your making one of the finest runs ever accomplished,and has bought us in health and safety to our adopted home.

With our best wishes for your happiness and that of Mrs Ross and family
We are, dear Captain Ross
With great affection and respect
Very truly yours (signed by 132 steerage passengers)