Kingston News (Kingston, ON), May 8, 1845

p.2 The Welland Canal - In consequence of one of those unforeseen casualties which it is impossible to guard against, the Canal will not be opened for navigation until the 13th of next month, to the great regret and loss of many, particularly of the owners of a schooner now lying in the river with 70 passengers on board, which passengers have bargained to have themselves conveyed to Chicago and boarded all the way for ten dollars apiece.

The opening of the Canal will be celebrated in great style all along the line. A procession is to pass through the whole length of the Canal, and addresses will be delivered at different places by Legislative Councillors and members of Parliament, and we observe that important duties in the pageant are assigned to the Warden and District Councillors who will be able to furnish a satisfactory reason for inability to form a quorum on the first day of the May Session. The Ladies too, with the young and beauty of of the District, appropriately accompanied by a band of music, will occupy a prominent place in the procession. Indeed, every preparation seems to be made for celebrating with becoming exultation the opening of perhaps the best finished, and as regards all dimensions, save that of length, the largest Canal in the world. For particulars, see handbills. [Niagara Chronicle]

We understand that advices have been received from England by the last steamer, that the important appeal case of Counter vs. Macpherson & Crane, respecting the buildings destroyed by the great fire at this Town, has been decided by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in favor of Messrs. Macpherson & Crane. As this appeal is final, the cause is now settled. [Herald]

Lake & River Travel - The navigation of the lakes and river, is now quite open for the season. The steamers employed are of a superior class, well equipped, and commanded by experienced masters. Their accommodations for freight and passengers, are inferior to none in America. The route between the Niagara River and Toronto, is, as usual, taken up by Captain Richardson, who has for years been very favorably known to the public; the splendid steamer at present plying on this route, is the Chief Justice Robinson. In a short time, there will be another of Captain Richardson's steamers placed upon this route - the Transit, Captain Hugh Richardson, junior, which will be an additional convenience to travellers. A steamer will then leave Toronto for Niagara, every morning and afternoon; and, also, there will be one from Lewiston, Queenston, and Niagara, for Toronto, every morning and afternoon. A third of Captain Richardson's favorite steamers, has been placed upon the route between the Niagara River and Hamilton, plying daily between those places, viz: The Queen Victoria, Captain Henry Richardson. As there is no steamer at present on the route between Toronto and Oswego, freight and passengers for Canada, are forwarded from Oswego to Niagara, by the United States daily line of steamers, and transhipped for Toronto and Hamilton, by Captain Richardson's vessels above named. The communication by water, between Toronto and Hamilton, is kept up daily, as usual, by the steamer Eclipse, Captain John Gordan. Both vessel and captain are familiar to the public, having been generally employed upon this route, and noted for furnishing every comfort necessary to travellers. The hours of arrival and departure of these steamers, are so arranged, that passengers by the morning boats from Niagara and Hamilton, arrive at Toronto in time to take their passage the same day, by the Royal Mail Line for Kingston, and proceed thence for Montreal without delay. The passengers upwards, from Kingston, by the Royal Mail Line, arrive at Toronto, daily, in time to proceed by the afternoon boats, for Niagara and Hamilton, without delay at Toronto. The Royal Mail Line of steamers between Toronto and Kingston, we have frequently mentioned, as being of a very superior class, and it is unnecessary to repeat here, any thing in their praise. They are regarded by all as the finest vessels that have ever navigated the waters of Ontario. On the route between Toronto and Rochester, the steamer America, Captain Twohy, plies regularly, three times a week. This is also a favorite vessel, and her commander is at all times exceedingly attentive to his duties and courteous to passengers. This route is the most direct for New York from Toronto, and the travel by it considerable.

The vessels which we have enumerated afford the most comfortable and convenient means of travelling, from all parts of Lake Ontario (with the exception of the Bay of Quinte), to Kingston, that could possibly be desired. Upon the Bay of Quinte there is a superior line of steamers plying daily, to and fro, between the river Trent, at the head of the Bay, and Kingston, calling at all the intermediate ports on the bay. These vessels connect with the daily line from Kingston to Toronto, and from Kingston to Montreal.

Between Kingston and Montreal, with the improvement of the navigation of the St. Lawrence, there has been a corresponding improvement in the means provided for the conveyance of passengers, by steamers and stages. The principal part of the route is gone over by steam; and that portion of it which is travelled by stage is rendered easy and agreeable by the improvement of the roads. This is probably the most enticing ramble for the tourist in the province, and it has been judiciously arranged that the rapids of the St. Lawrence and the Thousand Islands will be passed by day light, to afford travellers an opportunity of viewing the beautiful and picturesque scenery. The Hon. John Hamilton is the owner of these steamers and stages, - a sufficient guarantee that they will be at all times well provided, and every attention paid to steamers. [Toronto Colonist]

Steam Ferry - The Messrs. Ives, in connection with Capt. Pearson, have placed upon the Ferry between Kingston and Long Island, the steamer Hunter, affording an accommodation to travellers, pleasure seekers, and others, which we trust will be duly appreciated. We know not of a more pleasant excursion than a trip to Garden Island or Long Island affords, and the Hunter, making three trips a day, enables persons desirous of thus spending a leisure hour or two, the opportunity of selecting any portion of the day for enjoyment. The rate of fare places no obstacle in the way, as the very moderate charge of 1s 3d is all that is made for the whole trip. We trust that the people of Kingston, as well as of the two Islands named, will feel an interest in sustaining the Hunter on this Ferry.

The steamer Gore will be passed through the Welland Canal, from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie thence to Lake Huron, as soon as the Canal is open. The Gore is intended to ply between Detroit and Lake Huron, calling at the various ports along the Canadian shore. [Toronto Colonist]

p.3 Retirement of Mr. Marks - head of Civil Department of Royal Navy, on the Canada Lakes. [Whig] (* appeared in British Whig May 2nd, and Chronicle and Gazette May 3rd)