Farewell Medway Queen – The final cruises of Medway Queen brought scores of enthusiasts on the 7th and 8th of September. At Herne Bay the Chairman of the Council came aboard and made a touching speech. Southend, which still has three ships calling in, was not quite so serious – we were played away with Auld Lang Syne and gunfire. For the last time Capt Horsham performed his intricate manoeuvres amid the barges and small boats at Strood Pier and rang down ‘Finished with Engines’. There was a shout of ‘Three cheers for Captain Horsham, three cheers for Medway Queen‘.

Save the Medway Queen appeal – At the public meeting it was decided to raise money to preserve Medway Queen and for this purpose a body named ‘The Medway Queen Trust’ should be established.

Clyde paddle steamers – This has been one of the best seasons that Jeanie Deans has had. Her timekeeping has improved and she has been kept well painted and very clean. Saturday 28th September saw Caledonia giving an evening cruise to Millport in connection with the illuminations. Caledonia is staying out for the first part of the winter and will be coming off in December when Talisman will relieve her. Waverley was employed on the Ardrossan – Brodick traffic on September 30th and had to work Ardrossan by herself as high winds forced Glen Sannox to use Fairlie.

Consul returns to the Thames – Consul brought a tang of Dorset with her – a week’s cruising from September 15th. On the 22nd Consul made a short cruise from Southend Pier – was it really true that this little ship was to be the last of her type at this Pier?

White Funnel news – The Cardiff – Weston service continued to attract large numbers, but Cardiff Queen’s excursion to Minehead, Lynmouth, Ilfracombe and Lundy on September 22nd probably attracted the greater number of people. This was the last trip of the season for Minehead and Cardiff Queen was given a rousing send off. Embarking at Minehead took longer than scheduled and to arrive back at Barry precisely on time was a most commendable performance.