MARIANNE ALLEN MANCHESTER
Journal kept during my voyage to New Zealand
(From a transcription of the original, which is/was
in the possession of Mrs K.L. Marshall, Ashburton)
April 23rd Had to go on board the "Excelsior" but it did not sail as
expected. Miss Ogilby took us to Mr. Upson, 47 High St., Whitechapel, but I
left my keys behind me, and when I went to fetch them Mrs. Tennant kept me
there. In the evening I was obliged to go back to Upson's and slept there.
Went back to Mrs. T's in the morning and stayed until the -----
26th Went back to Upson's in the morning by Underground Rail. At 2 o'clook
went on board the Excelsior and thought it tolerably comfortable. Slept on
board but did not sail.
27th Sailed at ten for Gravesend. Arrived at 1 o'clock. Obliged to have
a steam tug down the river when the Emmigration Commissioners came on board
and found all the sailors drunk. They ordered not to sail down the channel
till 3 tomorrow. Kept on deck till 8 o'clock.
28th Sailed from Gravesend at half past one, had a steam tug past Southend
which then parted company with us. We were all very sick before we reached
Margate. I scarcely knew what to do with myself all the evening I felt so ill
The pilot left in the evening. I had a tolerable good night's rest. A boy was
found in the hold. The captain gave him some food and he was sent ashore with
the pilot.
29th Very sick all day. The vessel rolls about in a fearful manner. The Cap-
tain is very kind, comes down and enquires for the sick morning and evening.
Managed to get on deck a little in the evening when I caught cold.
30th It was not very encouraging to be told this morning that the vessel had
hardly made any progress, the wind being against us. About 2 o'clock passed
the Isle of Wight. Mr. Grant saw some vessels going into Portsmouth Harbour
but I did not see this. Another boy found in the hold and taken before the
Captain who asked him why he was there. The boy said he had a desire to go
to sea so I suppose he thought that the best way to set about it. Captain
Lees did not seem angry but asked the boy if he was hungry. He said he was.
Then the Captain told him to get some food and set to work.
May 1st Not thought of much today. Felt very ill, Nearly everybody in bed.
If ever I travel another long sea voyage I shall get many things I require.
At least I feel the want of them now but it is said "Experience teaches" and
I am glad that Janie did not come with me, for I can now make her journey
much more comfortable than mine has been.
2nd Very calm all the morning. I was very hungry at 1 o'clock and almost
devoured my dinner, Saw the coast of Cornwall in the morning. The wind rose
rather strong about 5 o'clook, Kept on deck till eight. Our "crew" seems to
be getting over the sea sickness. Three of the girls kept their birthdays
this evening. Two were rather merrier than was desirable, quite lost their
"heads". I am thankful I was not mixed up in the "melee".
3rd Felt better in health and spirits than I have ever done since I have
been on the sea. The position we are at present in is, say, I am standing at
the head of the vessel, England at my back, America in front, Ireland on the
right and the Bay of Biscay on the left. As I feel so much better, I am going
to tell you a little of our rules. There are two messes in our cabin. Each
mess has got its Captain, ours is a rare lively girl. My berth is a bottom
one, so the Captain calls it the "first floor". If we had not books and needle
work to do we should not know what to do with ourselves after we have done
our "house hold work" - in fact I think we shall all be first class house-
keepers.
4th It was very calm all day. Passed the Bay of Biscay and we are now in
the North Atlantic Ocean. We see nothing but sky and water all day. Sometimes
we catch sight of a vessel. It is so pretty to watch the sun's setting. The
water looks like a vast sheet of silver which gradually changes into bright
red. This day has passed very pleasantly, plenty of music this evening and
some singing and dancing. In the latter I joined and after we came down to
our bedroom (which is, by the way, our study, dining room, drawing room, store
room and answers every purpose even to a wash house) we sat playing games
of cards, not gambling cards, but what is called Happy Families and enjoyed t
the fun very much till our bed hour and finished the day with prayers.
There are times when I feel very desolate leaving Mrs. Lee, my brother and
sister and kind Mrs. Tennant and all those who have been so good to me, behind
but I hope that it will be a wise step that I have taken and bring the good I
would wish for Janie. If you wish for any little thing on board ship you can-
not get it at any price. All I have been able to get is a bottle of ale
(which was a shilling) like those I used to buy in the Crystal Palace, so I
shall write in a blank leaf of this book things I greatly need now.
5th It was fearfully rough last night. We were well rocked to sleep, but I
am getting used to the motion of the vessel. It does not make me so sick only
a little giddy. Our flour is strung at one corner of a bed, a bag of biscuits
at another corner, a sack of potatoes at the side of the bed. When in bed the
butter, sugar, tea, etc. is within arm's reach. I am already so sick of bis-
cuit I quite long for the taste of English bread and cheese. At dinnertime
today we saw some immense fish. We were sailing very fast at the time, but
shoals of them kept up with the ship. We all leant over the ship's side and
were obliged to move away to prevent a cold bath. The vessel rolls fearfully.
By the by, last night when we were all asleep, the flour bag fell down, a
saucer fell from the shelf and was smashed, cans rolled in every direction.
This morning the breakfast was neatly laid out on our table, the ship gave a
lurch, over went butter, sugar, coffee, cups and everything, tea and water
streamed in every direction.
6th The weather is getting much warmer. I sat up on the side of the poop
and saw some more of these porpoise. We have a very bad cook, he spoilt our
dinner as usual today. One of our mess made a complaint to the Captain today
about it. There is no chaplin on board and last sunday there was no service
on board. I do not know whether it was because so many were sick, or whether
there is ever going to be any, (This Sunday we all shall know). There are
only 80 passengers and about 25 sailors, making 105 people on this ship.
Captain Lees is about 35 years of age and the first mate is his brother,
We are off the coast of Portugal but we do not see any land. They say we
shall be able to post letters when we reach the Cape de Verde Islands.
7th The weather is getting much warmer. This has been a busy day. We have be
been busy clearing up and baking bread and doing other cookery for Sunday.
In the afternoon I went on deck and it was indeed beautiful.
8th This day has been spent more like a Sabbath, but so unlike the way
Sundays are kept at home in old England. In the morning we were all surprised.
to hear the bells ring for church. We had not been appraised that there was
to be a service, consequently we were not ready, barely five minutes notice
and I had neither washed myself nor done my hair. I was late for service
which was held on the poop of the ship, the surgeon officiating. One of the
officera told us we were just off Cape St. Vincent and that in a day or so
we shall see the coast of Madeira, in the evening there was singing on the
deck and when we went down to our own "compartments" we sang some nice hymns.
9th We enjoy the present weather exceedingly. It was too hot today to bear
our cloaks on. We passed the Straits of Gibralter today and are just beginning
to pass the coast of Africa. We have an exceedingly disagreeable girl in our
cabin a German by birth; there has been a dispute between her and another
girl she was very thick with. Our 'Captain' styles it a civil war between Ger
many and Scotland. Everybody murmurs at being sent down so early as eight o'
clock, but Captain Lees makes the excuse that if we stay any longer we shall
catch cold, but he has promised to let us have one half hour longer when the
weather becomes unbearably hot. I forget to say that on Saturday last we had
great fun. We pinned pieces of paper to other people's backs and got them to
promerade about. We pinned a song book to the disagreeable German's tails
which of course made her very wild.
10th At ten this morning we spoke with a vessel; I forget her name, it was
some Italian name; she was from Cardiff bound for Monte Video in South America
laden with coal, 21 days out all well. I cannot make out how the signals are
understood, at least to talk to each other by the means of flags. We enjoyed
all this very much and only regretted that we could not send letters to Eng-
land by her.
11th This morning at eight o'clock we were delighted by the Captain informing
us that land was in sight. Isabella Carnegie was with me at the time and went
with me on to the poop. We could not make out where the land was at first but
the Captain lent us his glasses which made us see it better. It was only like
a cloud. In the course of the day we saw it much plainer and could distinguish
(through the glasses) the trees and bushes, also a large white hut - I should
have mentioned before that it was one of the Canary Islands - and at three o'
clock we were 15 miles off the islands and a hundred from the Mount of
Vesevus(?) We all signed a petition today to get the cook turned out of his
office; he promised to behave better for the future if he was allowed to
remain. In the afternoon he thought better of it and sent in his resignation.
The sailors, it is supposed, were determined to make the last meal as unpleas-
ant as possible, either put salt in the tea water or emptied the fresh and
put sea water in its place. It was an unkind action whoever did it, and the
cook to make some more water boil. made an immense wood fire and somehow it
flared up the chimney, and the ropes of the riggin, but it was put out
before any damage was done.
12th A very large steamer came in sight this morning. After asking us where
we were bound for, from where and every other question, would answer no quest
ion we put to them, This evening we were allowed to stay on deck till 9 o'clock.
There was Quadrille practising on the poop to the tune of a German violin
afterwards the surgeon sang "Mother, is the battle over", and all then sang
"The other sīde of Jordan". It has been a very pleaasant evening and we were
reluctant to go below. One of our girls has been very ill again and the doctor
is now attending her. I never thought that after a person once got over the
fit of seasickness, another would come on. There is now one hour and fifteen
minutes difference in the day to what it is in England, that is, it is quite
dark one hour and fifteen minutes sooner than in England. The weather is dread
fully hot I cannot rest at night through it. We have nearly passed the coast
of Morrocco.
13th Dreadfully hot all day. They have put an awning over the poop which keep
a great deal of the sun off. In having the stores given today a young man had
his finger broken. We have to prepare our own food and the fresh cook cooks
it in a better manner. Also we have had a great deal of fun today among our-
selves. We had skipping and dancing on deck till nine.
14th Today has been a busy day with us. We have had our beds to bring up
and air. A watch and £14 has been stolen since dinner from a 2nd class pass-
enger. Everything has been searched but it is not yet discovered. There have
been notices nailed up to the effect that if it is put in a place where it
may be found, no proceedings will be taken against the thief, but whoever
gives information so that it may be found will receive a reward of £5. It is
a pity for some people that there is no minister on board to ease their
anxieties.
15th Today we were prepared for Sunday service which was read by the surgeon
I fell on the wet deck yesterday, twice accidentally, and was pushed
three times. Consequently I feel very stiff today and am dreadfully bruised.
It is getting dark now and the vessel plunges about dreadfully so I am not
able to write legibly. I have thought of England very much this evening. I
wish I could see my friends.
16th We have been very busy sewing all day and this evening we have had a
great deal of singing and dancing. My feet ache through it, but if we have no
exercise we shall not know what to do with ourselves on land. Early this morn
ing we saw a lot of ugly looking fish. Captain Lee called them by the name of
bottlenose. They looked like great pigs jumping out of the water.
17th We have not been able to do much today. It has been so warm. But the
evenings are a pleasure. When the sun has set it begins to be cooler.
Everybody has been so dull this evening, although they have brought lanterns
and hung them to the ropes of the deck.
18th I have been cook today. Seven of us take the wprk in turns, two each
day so I have been downstairs all day. When I came up we had a game of cards,
and after tea we had a merry load of dancers. In the night we sleep with no-
thing on us, it is so hot.
19th The lifeboats were lowered today; they leaked dreadfully; they were
only loWered to try them, and to be in readiness in case of danger. As usual
there was dancing in the evening.
20th Today I have been busily employed at needlework and have repaired for
the Captain the Union Jack, the first time I ever had my handy work in a
British flag and maybe it will be the last.
21st There is to be some Theatricals this evening. The following is the
programme:-
Theatre Royal Excelsior.
(By the kind permission of Captain Lees)
The screaming farce of "To Paris and back for £5"
Mr. Samuel Snoggle (a gentleman with an unfortunate name) Dr. Dawson.
Mr. Spriggins (his uncle) Mr. Highley
Mr. Chas. Markham Mr. Francis.
Pounce, a detective Mr. Banfield.
Lieut. Spike, R.N. Mr. Richmond.
Joseph, a waiter Mr. Hemmans.
Station Master Mr. Adams
Telegraphic Clerk Mr. Adams.
Miss Fanny Spriggins Miss Cole.
-----------------
Songs: Let me like a Soldier Fall; England Yet. Mr. Walker.
Hornpipe Dance Mr. C. Allen.
-----------------
To be concluded with Bombastes Furioso
Atasoministhe Great Dr. Dawson.
General Bombastes Mr. Highley.
Turbos Mr. Richmond.
Distafina Mr. Banfield.
The new and gorgeous scenery has been painted for the occaision by that
oelebrated artist, Mr. Grieves but the manager grieves to say that the sea
air has taken all the colour out of it and trusts that the audience will not
be grievously disappointed if they are unable to see the beauties of it.
The costumes, wigs, etc., may have been supplied by May of Covent Garden or
may not.
N.B. To accomodate the crowds expected the doors will be open all day.
Performance to commence at 7 p.m.
The audience are earnestly requested for their sakes to have tea early as too
much laughing directly after a hearty meal might injure their digestion.
Places may be secured twelve months in advance. Those of the audience who
may wish to have them reservedseats had better bring their own chairs then by sit-
ting in them they will be able to retain them the whole evening.
Anyone leaving their seats must not expect to find them on their return,
Evening dress strictly prohibited; anyone appearing in "ties and tails" will
be dealt with according to law. Umbrellas and thick walking sticks if used
for the purpose of applauding only will be admitted free. Carriages to be set
down at the starboard side and taken up at the port. N.B. This regulation
does not apply to people who have not got carriages. In consequence of the
tropical heat aqua marina will be provided for refreshment on the most liberal
scale. (I have since found out that aqua marina means salt water.)
It went off very well. A stage was erected on the deck as well as it could be
done and it was all beautifully decorated with flags so that whether the sea
air had taken the colour from the scenery or not, it looked very nice and was
well lighted with lanterns. I enjoyed it and it was wonderful where the dress
came from or how the gentlemen got them up. They all did very well but the
doctor best of all. The cookhouse chimney has been on fire again also a parri
fin lamp was knocked down and all ignited in the sudden blaze. This morning a
man was bathing in the sea; he lost his hold of the rope and was nearly drown
ed. He sank twice but the carpenter jumped overboard and caught him again be-
fore he had time to sink again. They could not get the boats down so the
Captain cut all the ropes. He is a young fellow took not yet twenty. I saw
him in the water when he was sinking and felt that I must have jumped over
also. The heat is something dreadful. We tell the Captain when the word of
command is given for us to go below that some morning he will find us up bake.
22nd I have not been well during the night. I thought I should die of heat.
I went on deck this morning about half past five, and settled myself down to
rest (there is a bag filled with pieces of sack, I suppose for a Pillow.)
When the Capain asked me why I did not use it, I said that I particularly
objected to a lumpy pillow - the very words that were used in the play last
night. This morning it rained for about three hours in torrents, the first
time since we have been on board. A rainy day is the sailors washing day on
board. Some throwed pails and pails of water over others, but I felt so ill
once I nearly fainted. Those in England have not the slightest idea of what
the heat is. We are very near the Equator, but are becalmed. The water is as
still as a pond. Oh, that I could do something to make myself cool
once more. This evening the sunset was truly magnificent, quite past descrip
ion. Our vessel looked as if it was wreathed in flame, and that every partic
le of the heavens was aflame. The stars too are so beautifully bright at night
it seems the next sight to heaven. I thought I could stretch out my hand
almost and touch the sun when it was setting. The evening was quite calm and
some clouds only were in the sky. It lightened the whole sky the whole even-
ing yet not a drop of rain fell.
23rd This morning we were roused to see a whale. I was too late to see it,
but I saw a shark five times. They have been trying to catch it but have not
succeeded. It came within a few feet of the vessel. It has also rained a
little, It is excessively hot and lightened a great deal every evening.
24th We spoke with a vessel this morning homeward bound for London. Both
that vessel and this were sailing very fast at the time, so we could not
send letters. If it had only come near us the day before when we were be-
calmed we could have sent them. Towards evening the wind calmed down and again
we were standing still.
25th There are three or four vessels in sight but none near enough to be
signaled to. We are scarcely moving and the weather is intensely hot. I wonder
we are not suffocated sometimes.
26th It is so wearying to be standing still as we are with a burning sun
overhead. Our complexions are wonderfully changing colour. I am as brown
as a nut and my face and neck are so very sore with sunburn. There is no
twilight in these regions; directly the sun sets it is dark.
27th On account of we being a month at sea, the sailors have had what is cal
led "throwing the dead horse overboard". They all dress up and sing curious
songs while one of the party mount the dead horse and both that and him are
strapped together and drawn up in the rigging where it is set fire to and let
drop into the sea. The horse is homemade of straw, rope, and sacking.
28th It is very warm today. We expect soon to cross the line. This evening
there was dancing on the poop and we enjoyed it so very much. There are some
German people on board who possess a violin and a harp. There was also
some singing.
29th At half past ten last night we crossed the Equator. It is a great
relief for we shall soon be in cooler weather. Service was read by the surgeon
as usual at half past ten.
30th Nothing in particular has passed today. We have been busy sewing and
in the evening we bring our lantern on deck and play whist and other games
at cards.
31st They say after a calm comes a storm. It is so in our case. The sea is
dreadfully rough and I feel so sick again.
June 1st I have done but little today as I feel so sick. It still continues
rough.
2nd Still stormy, nothing keeps on the tables, it is the hardest work to go
backwards and forwards to the galley. I fell down once in this morning in going.
3rd I have been busy tatting all day. In the evening there was dancing.
It being calmer, I only danced in Sir Roger de Coverley. After there was
singing. By the by, earlier in the evening they (the gentlemen) acted a
judge and jury trial which greatly amused us.
4th Today is Whit-Sunday, Service on the poop.
5th I have felt very ill all day but I went on deck in the evening and the
fresh air seemed to make me better. The evening has passed very pleasantly.
We had plenty of dancing and afterwards singing. P.S. On Sunday the 4th, we
spoke with a homeward bound vessel, the "Britannia" from Beaunos Aires to
Havre de Grise, 14 days out. All well. The "Britannia" promised to report us
and on the third spoke with another one from London to Bombay, 59 days out,
fancy three weeks longer than us.
5th to the 10th We did nothing in particular, sat on the deck sewing, in
the evenings dancing and whist playing. We are much more comfortable now
the weather is getting cooler.
11th I have been unable to go to the church today as I have been in bed ill.
My chest is again so bad. It being a wet morning, service was read in the sal-
oon. The girls got up a choir among themselves for singing the chants and
hymns at church. They tell me it succeeded very well.
12th Felt better but still kept my bed all day.
13th Went on deck today - it was chilly but fine.
14th The day has been fine but rather cold. The gentlemen have been shooting
Cape pigeons all the morning which shows we are nearing the gape of Good Hope.
15th The weather is getting much colder, Indeed I like it better than the
fearful heat we have had to put up with, I think nobody will forget all the
misery we were in during the night, especially laying on tables, stools, the
floor, and any place was to us better than our berths.
16th The rats run about the cabin quite at home. Mine is a lower berth and I
am in dread to move much at night in case i should attract them. They eat
boots as though they relish them, and we plainly hear them brush past our tin
ware on the floor. There will not be any more sleeping on the floor now.
17th Today I have not felt well again, I was obliged to go to bed early this
evening. My chest is again bad.
18th Kept in bed all day again. My chest is awfully bad.
19th I got up at about one o'olock, dressed and sat on deck, but it was rain
ing so I dare not stay. The Captain lent me a book, so i came down and read
till dark, and went to bed early.
20th I did not get up till after breakfast and then I could not go on deck,
it was so wet so i sat sewing all day.
21st A sister of Mrs. Grant's, a Miss Jones has taught me tatting with which
I amuse myself a great deal.
22nd I have been fishing a long while but I have not caught anything though.
It has been merely a piece of onusement. A Mr. Walker, also Mr. Hammon's
line got entangled with ours, Mr. Walker threw in about seven baits on his
line which made us laugh greatly, I had about two hours work getting my line
rolled up smooth again.
23rd Farther back in this diary (date June 9th.) have forgot to mention that
there has been two sales by auction, A Miss Dora Whittington and I for fun
had ourselves up for auction, it caused great amusement, everyone was bidding
but we were knocked down to the Captain at £300.
24th It has been stormy all day, the sea is dreadfully grand, Great mountain
like waves rush over the decks and pour down the hatchways, through our port-
hole which opens on the deck, and it is the only one or at least window we
have, it has been continually soaked up but still it pours down, and some of
the girls being near the porthole got a cold bath which was far from accepta-
ble, now the weather is so cold, early this morning we were awakened by a gre
at wave dashing in through the broken window of the porthole. I went on deck
this afternoon to have a good look about me. Nobody can stand at all on the
decks. I was helped across to the stairs leading to the poop, but it was too
cold up there to stop, so I came down and stood at the shelter again, the door
of the first class cabin till a great wave came and sent me inside but not
till my dress was saturated. It came rushing into the saloon and the steward
's berth and his pantry. While there the Captain showed me the position of
the vessel on his chart. We are halfway round the Cape. Our cabin window has
been boarded down and.nailed with canvas. One sail was blown away this morning
and another was slit in two. It is dark now at four o'clock and it seems
strange to us - the end of June yet so cold here and warm in England.
25th The day is much calmer but it rains with that drizzling rain which make
s one feel so very miserable, The weather is warmer than it was last week.
26th Today I have been able to go to church. Indeed if I could keep as well
as i now feel, I should never be better. It is three weeks today since i have
been to the service and the day was so wonderously fine that church was held
on the poop. None of us needed Jackets.
27th Two months today since we started from Gravesend. We have had a
beautiful passage so far, and I hope it will continue till the end. This too
is a splendid day, not a cloud obscures the sky, but it is my week to be down
cooking so I am unable to get upstairs till the evening. We tried to danced
but it was dancing under difficulties. I was down on the deck twice but did
not hurt myself.
28th We are going along steady but the vessel does not rock much. This evenin
g one of the girls danced in the cabin, at least three of them did; it made a
little noise and when the captain came down and opened the door, not one soul
was to be seen. We were all watching him from a corner he soon knew where we
were by the laughing, he seemed to enjoy the fun, and laughingly wanted a dan
ce to be performed before him, but it was of course, refused.
29th Last night I went to bed quite well, and went to sleep as usual,
but in the night I awoke aching in every limb, and my chest was very bad
again, it is enough to kill a person the continual exposume to the damp air.
Through the kindness of Miss Carnegie and Miss Greig who have changed beds
with me for the present because i cannot breathe in my close berth, There is
so much higher than mine and I am enabled to sit in bed quite well in theirs.
30th I have had a dreadful night and day. The doctor's medicine does not see
m to do me the least good. The weather is fine but cold and we are moving alo
ng at a glorious rate. Nobody could long more than I do to be on shore again
yet shipboard life is far from unpleasant to those who have good health to
enjoy it. I get so low-spirited at times and I think I shall never reach land.
July 1st I am better still if I was not so week we see plenty of birds every
day, but not a sight of anything in the way of land. One of the girls made
the remark today while we were at tea "actually the lamp moves". It was quite
thoughtlessly said and showed the absence of mind that the ship was rocking.
3rd Another Sunday in bed for me. It is a miserable day, no service either
on board, it is very cold and the Captain is preparing for a storm tonight.
We were boarded down at five o'clock. Indeed we should have been washed out
if it had not been done, i never slept ten minutes the whole night, everything
was flying about us. As soon as I got comfortably settled one side of the
bed I was shaken to the other.
4th Today is slightly calmer, but the waves, they tell me, rise as high as
mountains almost, but I know they pour fast enough down our porthole, We have
a lunatic on board - a young man that came on board in an apparantly sound
state - has gone out of his mind and has all kinds of curious illusions. He
had or has had two or three falls on the deck the last time he came crashing
on his head, but they do not think that has anything to do with it. They
have removed him to a place of confinement.
5th It is a tolerably calm day. The captain has knocked up the tables and
stools for the theatricals that are to be performed among us, but I am again
ill, so my pieces must be thrown up. Last night the hatch window was broken and
the cold night air was coming in on my head; that is the way I have caught
this cold.
A copy of the programme.
The following will be performed at the General set of songs and dances:-
lst course. Pickled eels' feet, stolen lobsters and collared oysters.
2nd course. The end of the pork and portion of the bosom of the bass.
3rd course. Sweet, biscuits, and treacle and sugar; bread and butter,
Fancy Vegetables. preserved potatoes and carrots, cheese has been kindly
provided by Dr. Dawson in bottled spirits for the occasion. Cards of invitat-
ion will be sent to those who are to be admitted by post free. I lay in bed
watching it but Lochiel's Warning and the Vadios missionary were postponed
for I was unable to take my parts, it was very amusing.
6th I have passed a sleepless night, Not even the draft the Dr. gave me did
not make me sleep. It is very rough upstairs.
7th I am better today and can do nothing but sleep.
8th From 12 o'clock yesterday to 12 today we have gone 254 miles, for a long
while I have been obliged to stay down, but I have been up today. The air is
beautiful and fresh and I felt much better through it. The waves do not come
over much and the Dr. gave me a chair on the lower deck, but it was hard work
to keep seated in it, lhere has been fighting in the 2nd cabin today and last
night.
9th Today has not been nearly so fine but damp and cold. It was snowing and
the girls have had great fun in the snowballing on the poop. This is not the
first time it has snowed, if I was atrong I would enjoy being among them.
10th No church again today. Towards afternoon my chest got worse again.
Once I thought I should have been choked. From the 10th to the 18th I
have kept my bed. It is so cold and the sea is awful. Weary I am of this
life. I arrived in Auckland on the 3rd August 1870 sailed in the "Kura"
on the 5th and arrived in Napier 8th.
Went to Mrs. Kennedy's Tapoia Cottage, Shakespeare Road, Port Napier on the 9
th. Left on the 3rd November, 1870 and came down to Revd. John Townsend's
parsonage, Napier, on the same day. Left Revd. Townsend's 10th February 1871
and went to the Masonic Hotel same day. Left on the 14th April 1871, came
to Poverty Bay April 21st, '71. Went to live with Cuff, Gisborne, April 23rd
'71, left July 19th and went to Mrs. Stagall, Albion Hotel, Gisborne,
24th July, 1871.
Converted to electronic form by Corey Woodw@rd from material
kindly provided by Jeni Palmer of the GenCentre. Thanks Jeni!
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