AN ACCOUNT OF THE VOYAGE FROM ENGLAND
By Emily Summerhays



Tuesday, May 25th, 1875.
Left the East India Dock 2p.m..Tues, May 25th, 1875. Were towed down to
Gravesend where they remained till 5.30p.m. Thurs. We were busy all day
Wed arranging our cabins, unpacking, storing away extras, getting several
things at Gravesend we had forgotten. The Emigrants came on board at 2.30,
Quite an amazing scene; plenty of confusion. It was dark before they all
settled into their respective places.

Tues Our first night aboard was passed very pleasantly and quietly. The
crew were very merry in the evening; the Captain was ashore. They were
singing away in the forecastle very merrily. Never had another night like
that, the poor children were music enough. After that we next took in pigs,
sheep and poultry. On Thurs, the Commissioners came and inspected the ship,
Emigrants and Passengers. They had a boat lowered to see that all the gear
was in good order in case the boats should be wanted. They are kept provi-
sioned and ready to be lowered at a moments notice. A very good precaution
at sea. I think Commissioners passed the ship. One family had the measles
and had to be sent back. Mr Deeks came on board. Bessie left the ship with
him. So ended her sea voyage. Wrote several letters and sent them on shore
by Mr Deeks. At 5p.m. the steamer came alongside and took us in tow as far
as Sheerness where we anchored for the night, being rather hazy.






At 4a.m. Friday, May 28th, we weighed anchor and proceeded on our way to
Deal where we landed our river pilot. The steamer left us to go on our way
- all well so far.

Saturday, 29th May. Many are sick mostly emigrants. Sighted the Isle of
Wight 6p.m. Capt Croker kindly signalled when we were off Shanklin. Went
in pretty close. We could plainly see the houses and signal from those on
shore especially from Mr Blew's windows. Had a good view of the sea wall
and cliffs in general. Took our last farewell look of the Island for many
a year, if not for ever, dipped our ensign and sailed on our way. Had a
good look at the needle rocks, then on to Land's End which we sighted at
noon on Sunday. Signalled at the Lizard, answering their questions, they
wishing us a pleasant voyage. We soon lost sight of land altogether. A
Deal lugger, the "Albion" took our Pilot off at Dartmouth Sunday norning
about 4a.m. He came to our cabin and wished us "Good Speed" on our long
voyage. We thought it very kind of him. He took our letters to post for us.
The Captain had a temporary P.Office erected outside our cabin door, A
great many came to post so that the Pilot had a heavy mail bag to take with
him. We find our Captain a gentlemanly man, officers very kind and obliging,
a first class crew, so far everything seemed very satisfactory, plenty of
food and water and lovely weather, (I forgot to say we shipped the first
sea off Shanklin, drenched a lot of the emigrants). No services on board,
everything too confused. A local preacher addressed the emigrants. They had
some very good singing which sounded very nice at sea. There were some Swiss
and Germans who sang well. Had a lovely sunset. We felt deeply impressed by
the beauty of the scene.

Mon 31st. Many sick including Jack, Rose, Alfred, Fanny and I, I was sick
for about half an hour in the Bay of Biscay, tremendous sea. We had to be-
gin securing the contents of our cabins, ship rolling more and  more. Had to
tie a rope across our bunks to prevent our being pitched out on the deck.
Very little sleep.






Tues, June 1st. A bright mornLng. Ship still rolling a little. Rose very
unwell, tryed to cheer the invalids by telling them they would soon be bet-
ter, which they were for a time.

Wed, June 2nd. All able to get on deck for a short time before dinner,
and after, when we tried a little needlework. Some small birds followed
our ship for a long time. Had a lovely sunset, which we all admired. In the
evening we had some singing, altogether it was a day of enjoyment. We had a
good supper and turned into berth about eleven. Had an excellent night's
rest.

Thurs, June 3rd. A very fine morning, all on deck early. Saw a solitary
swallow winging his way as we thought towards England. Saw any amount of
porpoises playing around the ship. Passed the "Saturnalia" From Dartmouth,
saw three other ships ahead. It closed in a rough damp night, ship rolling
(too much) for us to get any sleep.

Fri, June 4th. Ship still rolling. Busy getting our cabins in order. Had
a few upsets of water and cabin things in general. Saw a ship in full sail
to the right of us. School commenced. Children assembled on deck, Soon ch-
ildren, forms, books, etc, all rolling on the deck in great confusion. No
lessons learnt I fear, All married emigrants beds ordered to be brought on
deck to be aired; and their places washed out with chloride of lime. It was
very necessary having so many people aboard.

Sat, June 5th. Had all our beds taken on the Poop Dock and  our cabins wash    ,
ed out by one of the crew. Had a family luncheon all on deck. After dinner
saw a shoal of porpoises close to the ship's side. A cloudy night, but we
had a very novel sight. In the wake of our ship the sea was in a phosphorous
state, and it appeared to us that stars were shooting in and out of the sea.
We remained on deck until 10p.m. watching and enjoying the scene. Ship
rolling very much all night and we had very little sleep. Making about 4¾
knots. Great noise in stewards pantry, stewards forgetting to lash up things.







Sun, June 6th. Fine morning, church service on deck. Prayers and lessons,
no sermon, Enjoyed the service, especially the singing which all joined in
most heactily. Had dinner, went on Poop Deck. Service on the Main Deck for
emigrants. Saw a large fish 10 ft long, Some of the poultry got loose, one
poor hen,went overboard, and was soon carried away and was drowned. Four hats
went overboard and were lost. Had tea, went on deck. The emigrants had an
address from one of their own people, and some good singing. We all retired
to the Harboard cabin and had some singing before turning into our berths.
Ship rolling.

Mon, June 11th. All boxes had up, took out what we wanted for the voyage.
Very busy all the morning. On deck at 2p.m. till 4p.m. Very fine. Had tea.
On deck all evening, Moon shining beautifully. Passed a ship early in the
morning, lost sight of her at night, Remained on deck until 10p.m. Plenty of
porpoises. Ship rolling more and more, continued to do so all night, too much
so to be comfortable. Had breakfast in berth for the first time, too tired to
rise.

Tues, June 8th. A fine morning, sea running high, many of the passen-
gees got very wet on the main deck. Could not get out of our cabin till
noon. A lady passenger very ill, our Captain asked me if I could be kind
enough to go in and see her, which I did. Found her near her confinement.
The Captain in great trouble. No female on the ship would undertake to be
with her, in her trouble, nearly all having families of their own to look
after and feeling ill themselves. I promised to be with her. She was very
ill and quite helpless. I went in and bathed her four children for her
and put them to bed. Some of the emigrants inclined to be quarrelsome.
The Captain soon reasoned them into being quiet.







Wed, June 9th. 12 knots, not at all wet, cold and sore throat. Kept
in my cabin all day. A very rough sea, the deck very wet and slippery.
Had a meeting in the Saloon in the evening; practised our Hymns for Sun-
day service. Emmie very unwell with cold and sore throat. Measles broke
out amongst the children. The roughest night at sea up to this date. Bread
very bad, threw it overboard. Found our own provisions very useful, Should
have been starved without them, not feeling up to eating fat salt pork and
tough beef, half cooked rice and pea soup; we could not clew to it.

Thurs, June 10th. Sea very rough, shipped a lot of water. Made 215
knots in the last 24 hours. Seen no sail for several days. Lovely weather,
cloudy and pleasant, 10 knots. Bread no better, bad baker, Captain vexed
about it, inspects the flour, says it is good, so it must be the baker at
fault. We have one of the men named Jimmy appointed to wait on  our cabins,
get one daily supply of water and cook for us. He was very good tempered
and obliging to us, he also assisted the cook and we had three stewards and
an emigant to help them. It was a difficult thing to get joints etc, con-
veyed from the cook's galley to the Saloon when the ship was rolling and
the upsets were numerous. You could not help laughing at them. Up comes the
women going to the cookhouse with their cake and butter puddings etc, lurch
goes the ship and over comes the  sea and nearly drowns them, away goes the
pudding all over the deck, women rolling in scuppers, men picking them up,
children falling about and screaming frightened out of their wits, one
begins to feel at earnest that we are at sea, cannot help pity the poor
emigrants. We get a woman to wash up our linen for us, give away some of
our old things to such of the emigrants who are short of things. Plenty of
washing going on each day, Saw two women fight one day over their washing.
They fought it out, just didn't the passengers laugh at them. The Captain
happened to be out of the way or he would soon have stopped them.
He was very kind to them all but very firm. He was obliged to be having
such a mixed lot on board.







Fri, June 11th. Continued to go in and wash and dress the children. I
sit with the invalid for some time. A fine day, saw some flying fish, one
flew on deck, they are small with transparent wings, a beautiful blue col-
our, not quite so large as a small mackrerel. A marten was picked up on
deck, nearly exhausted. Saw a ship some distance behind us, taking another
track. A lovely moonlight night and most of the passengers on deck until
late enjoying the cool breezes. The days getting vocy warm. Measles incre-
asing rapidly. Had two boats rigged up as hospitals for the children. Made
plenty of work for the doctor, but the sick were well looked after by the
Captain who went in and attended to the invalids and children. Bread still
very bad, appetites not good, We could not get fresh meat of course and
began to feel the want of it.

Sat, June 12th. In the tropics, very warm. Lime juice served out, glad
to put on light clothing. Very light breeze. The evenings were very pleas-
ant indeed. We had gruel and burgoe for supper. We did justice to that. The
crew played the hose over the sails, gave them a thorough soaking, inspec-
ted and partially lowered the boats much to the amusement of the youngsters.
The single girls under the charge of the matron, are allowed on one portion
of the Poop Dock from 8.00a.m. to 7.00p.m. They sew, read and sing and so
pass their days away. Very easily I think. The Matron and them are often in
hot water, she is too strict to please them. Emigrants in pretty good health
so far, a few cases of measles. Had much amusement in watching the school
master and his pupils. They want to see everything that is going on instead
of learning their lessons. The deck of an emigrant ship is a poor place for
a School House, but it keeps the children out of the way of the crew, and
the mothers are glad to get rid of them. The children look eagerly forward
to Sundays. After the Saloon dinner, the Captain brings out nuts and rais-
ins and scatters them amongst the children, poor things, not many luxuries
fall to their share or anyone else only what you take with you.








Sunday, June 13th. Fine morning, went to church on the Poop Deck, the
first sermon, Saw plenty of flying fish, curious things, they fly out of the
sea when pursued by large fish. Some large fish seen in the distance. Going
10 knots. Service in the Saloon in the evening. Captain read the lessons.
We have two Church of England Ministers on board, who kindly take the
services when there is any possibility of holding one. The emigrants have
a service below in their quarters, also the single men.

Mon, June 14th. Making 11 knots an hour. Very fine, no rain up to this
date, flying fish all around. Mr S, Will and Jack have a game of quoits on
deck, drop them in pails, 10 per game, put in sailors box. No ship in sight
about 16 degrees from the Equator. Beautiful on deck. Had our burgoe on deck,
where we remained till late.

Tues, June 15th. One of the apprentices brought up before the Captain,
a complaint being made against him by one of the Saloon passengers a half
crazy disagreeable fool, who tried all he new to make a quarrel with our men
but they would have none of his nonsense, told him they would throw him over
board if he didn't leave them alone and mind his own business. He and his
wife were the pest of the ship. We put them down as some Strolling actors,
she was decked out in brass jewellery and the commonest finery, all the
other Saloon Passengers were very nice indeed. He had to be watched at times,
they thought he would go mad. He had a dog which was kept over the
apprentices cabin. The dog annoyed them by barking and keeping them awake.
The apprentices complained about it and asked him to move it. He went to the
Captain and said this one, Tom was insolent to him. Tom told the Captain he
was not. The Captain got his temper up, they had a scuffle just outside our
cabin door. The Captain gave him a cut or two with the ropes end and he bit
the Captain's hand and fought hard. He was soon overpowered and put in irons








and chained to the mast. I was dreadfully upset, so were all the women, they
were crying and screaming. I was obliged to have a good cry myself. A comm-
otion at sea like that seems dreadful. You never know where it will end. I
pictured to myself what a mutiny must be like. When night came they confined
him in the next cabin to ours, which happened to be one where the mates kept
their high boots, oilskins etc. They offered him biscuits and water which he
would not touch. I could not sleep all night thinking of him. I could hear
him sighing, he seemed so miserable. When they want to him he would not speak
He was a great favourite. The passengers interceded with the Captain for him
He promised to release him when he begged his pardon, the Capt thought a good
deal of him, he was very quick and clever, but the Capt must maintain discip-
line of his ship at any rate. Going 9 knots in 13 degrees, slept with port
open, very hot. No sail in sight. Ten children sick with measles, how I pity
them, suffering beneath the tropical sun no wonder so many died. It was
dreadful to see the anxiety of the poor mothers as one after another of
the children sickened with the measles, the voyage and poor food telling
upon themselves. We miss some every day from their accustomed places on
the deck, all of us begin to miss our good living. Cannot clew to the
Ship's provisions which are none of the best. Would give a note for a leg
of mutton. No prospect of having one for many a day. My Sunday's dinner
generally consisted of a sheep's heart, cooked for me privately, sent in
among my rice, never cleaned. Gave the butcher a 1/- for it, being his
perquisites. Of course I divided it as well as I could. I could not eat
the salt beef and pork, it was like leather. Fearful bread, cannot eat it,
threw it overboard, all of us. We have tins of preserved meat given us, We
often give the cook 2/- to make us a meat pie. He will put in all the scraps
he can spare, sometimes we have mutton, pork and giblets all in one pie,
then we have a family dinner, goes high. We would not touch it at home, it
is a luxury now.







Wed, June 16th. Tom still a prisoner, very sulky, won't eat. Fine morn-
ing. Breeze getting low, very pleasant on Poop Deck in 11 degrees. No sail
in sight flying fish all around us which helps to amuse us. I continue to
visit our sick passenger who is daily expecting to be confined, and is very
ill. Towards evening Tom gives in, wants to see the captain begs his pardon
and is set free, much to the relief of all the crew and passengers who are
glad to see Tom at liberty again. 160 Knots.


Thurs, June 17th. Sighted two ships in front, caught one by noon, Cloudy
with a fine knot breeze. Called up at 5.00a.m. invalid much worse. Dressed sh?
sharp, went in stern cabin, had doctor called up. Fine boy born 6.00a.m.
Washed and dressed it under difficulties, ship rolling to some tune, upset my
water. I can tell you there is none to spare aboard ship only a certain quan-
tity per day. We have an extra allowance in the Tropics. The husband and I
had to do everything, no one else to lend a helping hand. The poor woman was
very ill, kept fainting all day, the doctor of very little use, the Captain
very kind. I had my hands very full, the children were very tiresome. Remained
with them until midnight. Then went into my own cabin and turned into my berth
tired out with a long day's work. Had two hours rain, weather sultry. Mr S.
sat in the American Chair all night, outside our cabin door.

Fri, June 18th. Up early to attend invalid, found her very weak. Baby
very good, got some gruel made, by the cook and some tea for myself, Washed
and dressed all the five children, made up their berths, made the invalid
comfortable as we could under the circumstances, I pity anyone who has to be
confined in a ship, it is terrible work, so much noise and rolling, nothing
nice or tempting to be had, it does seem hard. The captain thanked me again
and again for what I did. I had a note of thanks at the Saloon Dinner table
which I did not expect. I felt I was only doing my duty to a fellow creature
in trouble. I had to go and find a laundress to do the washing. Plenty of
trouble. I had to get a woman to do it, pay her whatever she liked to ask,







and give her a bottle of stout. The emigrants cannot get any beer, only those
who  are nursing a babe. She would not have done it, only to oblige me. I had
been kind to her and her child. She washed for so we got over that difficulty
as long as it was fine. Saw two homeward bound ships, hoped we should have
an opportunity of sending some letters home. We all wrote in very little time,
but for some reason or other the Captain did not have the letters sent off
which was a great disappointment to us. We spoke to one of the ships, a Fren-
chman, about 7 degrees north of the line. We were scarcely moving, ship roll-
ing very much. The ship "Armenia" passed us very little distance off, a breeze
sprung up for two hours, not any of us feeling first rate, want a good dinner
and want is our comfort.

Sat, June 19th. Patient progressing very slowly. Babe well. Weather very
warm and trying, all my time taken up nursing, do not see much of my family.
Two large whales passed us. The Captain caught a shark 6 feet long, ugly
monster, they killed it on the deck, they die fearfully hard it was a horrid
sight. We are nearly becalmed, about 6 degrees north of the line. Pollie
very unwell. Call in the Doctor, he ordered her beef tea. Jack sick, Alfred
mending a little. Rose sick, Emmie not very well. Fanny first rate. Patient
in a fainting fit, frightened by the shark. Had the doctor to her who told
the Captain he would soon have to have her lowered over the ship, he thought
she was sinking fast. The captain asked me my opinion. I told him I thought
she just had a chance of pulling through if only we could get a little quiet
for her, He did all he could. We drafted the children out to sleep which made
the cabin cooler. It was many days before she seemed to gain any strength. I
almost dispaired of her. Baby doing well, and very quiet, which is a great
blessing, under the circumstances.

Sunday, June 20th. Two large sharks following in our wake. Ship just cra-
wling along. Weather cloudy, very warm, all of us wishing for fruit, or








anything else nice, take our lime juice very often, cannot make our allowance
last out a week, so have to beg and borrow. I get a drink in the invalid's
cabin every day mixed with some cooling powder which I prefer to anything
else they offer me. Nearly got an upset as I am washing baby, never free
from bruises, ship rolling so much, our things all over the cabin. Will
nailing strips to what we call our table, to keep our plates and cups on,
also on the deck to keep us from sliding from one side of the cabin to the
other, which we have done several times, cannot seem to get our sea legs.
It is laughable to see everything rolling about, an extra lurch away goes
all of our things off the table, over goes the water can, slop pail always
the first to capsize, very pleasant if it is full. We tie everything up,
but over they are sure to go. We grumble a bit, then swab it up. Never have
it dry under our feet long. In comes the girls to tell us of their mishaps,
we console ourselves as well as we can. Wish we could get a good dinner,
talk about what we should like, and wonder when we shall get a good one, got
some of the ship's suet decide about making a plum pudding, when cooked and
brought in, not half boiled, beastly suet, we cannot clew to it, so overb-
oard it goes. After seeing my patient comfortable for the night, have a turn
on deck, going very slowly indeed, go in and have a look at the girls, have
a chat, stroll down to the deck house to see Emmie and Fanny and Alfred,
find them not very comfortable, their accomodation very inferior considering
what we paid. They have a woman and crying baby in the next cabin who has to
share their day cabin. She is very delicate and very dirty and always talking,
full of news. Her husband is Doctor's assistant, very kind to Emmie and Fanny.
They are scotch people, have been in a large way of business, failed and are
going to try their luck in New Zealand. Their baby is a fine boy but cross.
One cannot but pity the poor babies. She has brought everything with her for
his comfort, no baby could be better provided for a long voyage. She is
suffering fearfully from sea sickness. We do all we can for her. Alfred









sleeps two cabins beyond ours in the saloon, so he sees me home, has a chat
with Mr S. and we all turn in. I sleep in the beth, Mr S. in the chair. The
nights are very warm, one passenger has slung a hammock under the boats and
turned in, I envy him, he looks so cool and comfortable up there. The Capt-
ain does not like anyone sleeping out, he says it is not healthy to be exposed
at night.

Monday, June 21st. Rolling very much all night, very sultry, cannot sleep
well. Things got adrift in Stewards pantry, sliding all over the deck. We
sleep opposite and hear every sound, plenty of noise all night, the watch are
stationed close to our cabins. I often lay and listen to their yarns of the
sea; get up early, wash and dress as well as we can, not an easy matter, have
a cup of coffee, a bit of hard biscuit. The decks are swabbed every morning
at 6 o'clock you would be drenched if you showed out of your cabin at that
time. Soon after 7 o'clock I go and visit my patient, wash and dress the
children, They breakfast in the Saloon before the passengers, their father
attends to them. I suppose it is by his own wish that he does. As the second
steward is supposed to do it. He is always finding fault with the food prov-
ided for his children, he says he will expose the company when he lands. We
all have plenty of cause for complaint. I often think we shall be starved
before we get to the end of our voyage. We certainly should have if we had
not taken plenty of food with us. We could not often clew to the coarse fat
pork and salt junk, The sight of the pea soup always turns me sick, William
enjoys his soup, he says it is the best thing he gets, we have it twice a
week. I always wonder what it is made of, things don't look particularly
clean in the cooks galley.

Tuesday, June 22nd. A large ship behind us, supposed to be the "Blair
Golories". but we were never sure of it. Caught a large shark, it was brought
on deck and killed, going very slow, weather warm.






Wednesday, June 23rd. A ship to the east of us, a fresh breeze sprang up at
4 o'clock this morning, Lost sight of the ship towards night, through her
steering a more westerly course. We have not made much progress to-day, slow
work.

Thursday, June 24th. Many children sick with the measles. None of us feel
very bright, so far we have not had much hope of a speedy voyage. We  are just
crawling along, and rolling very uncomfortably, weather warm and cloudy.

Friday, June 25th. 3 degrees from line, very wet and warm. Mr S. slept in
chair all night, too warm in our berth, I lay with port hole open, could
wring my hair in morning. Heat very trying. Very little appetite, not much to
tempt it, my patient improving slowly, longing for some nourishing food which
she cannot get, children very tiresome, getting of being on ship, not much
room for them to run about, they are always getting in the sailors' way, they
are often falling down and hurting themselves.

Saturday, June 26th. Had very wet night, weather sultry, cleared towards
morning, the steward gave us a bit of tripe for breakfast which we enjoyed,
served part of it for dinner, very glad to get it. Hear some of the emi-
grmats' children are very ill, one woman says there are nine will die. We
hope not, poor little things, I pity them suffering in such hot weather,
ship rolling so, they can get no rest night or day, so far we have had no
deaths. Bread so bad we cannot eat it, use our butter, make a cake, send it
to the galley, sent back burnt up. If you make up anything it is nearly
always spoilt, we are tired of making complaints, it is of no use. Invalid
about the same, babe doing well.

Sunday, June 27th. Service on deck in the morning in the evening in the
saloon 2.45 from the line steering nearly west, weather fine, saw two ships
in the distance, all of us feeling far from well, bad living, and the heat
trying us very much.






Monday, June 28th. Commeration day, the Captain ordered some rolls to be
made for us, but the flour was so bad we could not eat tNem, We get porridge
or burgoe every night, it is coarse and full of husks, we would not touch it
at home. The steward is very kind, he gives me many a nice bit that comes out
of the saloon. We often lend him things, especially our patent cork-screw
which he has taken a great liking to. I have promised to give it to him when
we land. We lend him our books, he is fond of reading, and very fond of a game
of cribbage, he slips into our cabin and has a game with Mr S. it all helps
to pass the time away, it is seldom we can sew now the ship rolls too much,
1.40 from the line. Hurt my knee very badly through the ship lurching whilst
I was attending to my patient. I managed tõ fix up a line to dry the baby's
things. I generally wash a few little things every day in the water I wash
the baby in, water being very scarce. I had to climb on a seat to reach, the
ship lurched suddenly, down I went, put my knee out, I turned very sick and
faint, had to be helped into my cabin, and very soon into my berth, when my
knee began to swell very fast.

Tuesday, June 29th. Child died in the night, buried at 3p,m. Unable to
get out of my berth, knee very painful, had an embrocation from the Captain,
he is more skilful than the Doctor. Have plenty of visitors and nurses, Rose
Emmy and Pollie in and out all day. Being very warm have my cabin door open
all day, can see a great deal that is going on outside, obliged to give up
nursing, cannot get anyone to take my place so far, just heard one of the
emigrants is going to wash the dear babe, I feel very glad. The Doctor says
it will be a week or more before I am able to get up. Fine breeze, passed
St.Pauls Island in the night. Captain Wright who commanded the "Halcione"
on her last voyage, was found dead in his berth when they were off this
island. Our Captain came in just now and told us we should soon be passing
over where they lowered him into the sea, and that he died in our cabin,
and in the same berth, I was then lying in. He was a very stout man and
required a large berth, they thought it would just suit us. I cannot say I






fancied it so well after hearing that, if ever I make another long voyage,
I shall see that we have two berths in our cabin. When two persons sleep in
one berth and the ship is rolling, you knock each other about, and can get
no sleep, the smaller your berth the better. Will and Rose have a double
one, so have Jack and Pollie, Emmie and Fanny have single berths, one over
the other. They sleep much better. The young people get on pretty well con-
sidering all they have to put up with. Of course they miss the many little
luxuries they could get on shore. They long for a good walk. They exercise
their legs pretty well on the Poop Deck most days.

Wed, June 30th. Buried another poor child 10 months old. Very rough we-
ather, squally. My knee very bad, cannot eat anything, feel very sick. A
flight of birds near us look like gulls. Going 8 knots. Rose and Pollie lay
in their berths most of the day when it is rough. Those four occupy one
cabin. They hang up a blanket for a screen at night. Things are not
noticed on board ship, you have to do the best you can, it seems quite nat-
ural for the men to see you in your berth and hear them ask you how you are.
It seemed strange at first, but we have got used to many things at sea.

Thursday, July 1st. 6 degrees South, strong breeze, no sleep all night.
Knee a little easier, unable to get up. Men and women rolling about all over
the deck; steamer passed at 9.30p.m. Will and Jack feeling very queer, and
many of the Saloon passengers very unwell. Self still in berth, knee a litt-
le better, plenty of visitors to see how I am getting on and have a chat.

Fri, July 2nd. Very squally at night, no rest, so much rolling and noise.
Mr S. slept in his chair all night or at least tried to. A schooner passed us
early this morning. Emigrants rolling all over the decks, some get scalded,
all women and children ordered below to prevent accidents. They are always
getting in the sailors' way when they are busy shifting sails and various
other duties.







Sat, July 3rd. Two children died from exhaustion after measles, Weather
squally. Steering South West good breeze.

Sunday, July 4th. Another child died; two buried. First Mate saw the
coast of South America from the Mast Head. Weather squally, going 20 knots,
in 14 degrees South. Knee still bad. Ship taking in a lot of water.

Monday, July 5th. No improvement in the weather all of us feel very
gloomy, one cannot help the other much, all our cabins very wet, nothing
but grumbling. My patient very unwell, wishing I could go and see her.
Babe doing well, cannot get out of my cabin, scarcely out of my berth.
Mr S. hard at work swabbing the deck of our cabin, but the water gains on
him, at last he gives up in despair. The Steward tells him we shall have
two feet of water in when we get to the Cape. Rather cheering to look for-
ward to. The weather will be very cold then, but I do not think it will be
so bad as he makes out, he is always chaffing, he Pops his head inside our
cabin door and says to me. "Wouldn't you like a walk on the sands now, or
a nice moonlight row, or two or three hours shopping in Oxford Street - he
is a Cockney - or are you going to the play tonight"?
He often  amuses me very much. I always lie with my cabin door open, so I
hear all that is going on. He handed me in a tot of rum to flavour my
burgoe. It does me good to  see the poor sailors come for their grog after
rough weather, and hard work. They do enjoy it so much. Some of the Emig-
rants get a tot if they have been helping. He serves out tobacco every
Tuesday, there is always some fun going on. The emigrants come up to buy.
Jack is generally pretty busy about that time. Bill and Alf do not clew much
to it. Alf is very sick, he suffers more from sea sickness than any of us.

Tuesday, July 6th. Buried a child today. Going very slow. close and warm.
My knee better but weak. Have no appetite, the sight of food turns me sick.







None of the girls feel well. Weather very trying. Single girls and matron
do not get on very well together, she is too fond of finding fault with them,
running with tales to the Captain about them. He is a very just man and list-
ens patiently to all parties. There is always some one or other wanting the
Captain, but he is equal to his duties. We all look up to him. He comes to
my cabin every day to see how I am. He says he must soon have me carried up
on the Poop Deck if I cannot get up myself. I hope soon to be able to.

Wednesday, July 7th. Going very slow. Making no way in 17.30 South of the
line. Rolling very much all night. Everything out of place. Poor emigrants
rolling about with their days supply of water. They have to come up at 8a.m. for
their water. It is an amusing sight to see them scrambling to get it. We get 
ours brought every morning and very precious every drop of it is, I save all I
can and get it exchanged for hot water so that I can get an occasional bath 
which we need very often aboard ship; it refreshes one so much. We are allowed
extra water in the tropics. We never knew the value of water until now.

Thursday, July 8th. 18.32 or 1 degree in 24 hours and now we are becal-
med, 82 in the shade.

Friday, JulY 9th. Becalmed. Warm. SaW one bird, no sail for days. Self
feeling better, Girls better. Alfred better. Mr S. has an attack of diarr-
hoea, obliged to go to the Doctor, feels very queer, takes two or three
doses, towards evening feels better. He has not suffered from sea sickness
so far. I hope he may not, he has to look after us all. I do not know what
we should do without him, he always has something to do for one or the
other of us.

Saturday, July 20th. Becalmed. Very warm, Mr S. saw 15 dolphins and one
bird, several black fish and a whale, in 19 degrees South, a breeze sprung
up at 9.30p.m. which pleased us all.






Sunday, July 11th. Another child dead; the poor mothers are in a dreadful
way, it is so hard to see them buried in the sea. The first child we buried
floated a long time. A funeral at sea is an impressive sight. We have two
Church of England ministers aboard, one of them in a white surplice reads
the Burial Service or a portion of it. Captain, Doctor, officers, emigrants
and passengers all attend if weather permits. The corpse is sewn in a bag of
sail cloth, laid on a grating, covered with the Union Jack, in front of an
opening in the side of the ship, at the proper time the grating is tilted up
and the corpse slides into the sea. It always upsets me very much, we never
know who may be the next. The ship is very quiet for a while after, but the
feeling of sadness soon passes away amidst so many people. We hope it may be
the last but there are many more people ill in hospital with measles. My
patient was better was churched to-day. A six knot breeze.

Monday, July 12th. Saw a shark, tried for him but he got away. A nice
breeze. Self better. Fanny not well, complaining of a sore throat, Ship
wet everywhere, we take in a lot of water. Emmie not at all well, bad cold
and ear ache.

Tuesday, July 13th. Child born at 8 bells. In came Emmie crying. Fanny
very well. Self not able to get up yet, find she has the measles, send for
the Captain and Doctor to know what is to be done with her. Captain says
she ought to be taken into the hospital. I object to that. He kindly allows
her to be carried and put in my berth beside me on condition I keep the
others away from our cabin till she is well again.

Wednesday, July 14th. Fanny very ill with measles and sore throat. Self
better. Measles spreading through the ship. A good breeze. Caught a shark.
Saw two whales. Pig killed.

Thursday, July 15th. A wet day, several whales in sight, also Cape Hens
and Pigeons. No wind, ship rolling very much upsetting everything. Fanny
better, self better.





Friday, July 16th. Mr S. busy altering the cabin. Rained heavily all night
some albatrosses flying around but no one can catch one. Fanny getting on
nicely. Weather very cold.

Saturday, July 17th. Killed a pig and a sheep. Going 10 knots. Sea very
rough. We saw a lunar rainbow. Fanny able to sit up for an hour. Plenty of
birds flying around, makes it lively to see them.

Sunday, July 18th. A fine morning, going about 8 knots. Fanny much better,
self alright. A great many children sick, poor little things, it is hard for
them, not much comfort for the sick.

Monday, July 19th. Fanny able to go on the Poop Deck. Saw some albatrosses
and cape pigeons; could not catch any. Wind quiet. Expecting to sight Tristan
da Cunha. What a treat it will be to see land again, 49 days without a sight
of land.

Tuesday, July 20th. Good breeze. Up early looking out for land. At noon
sighted three islands; the first was Tristan. We were about 6 miles from
land. We could see the houses very plainly also their boats. Didn't we
long for a walk on terra firma. A very peculiar cloud rested on the top
of the island. We passed a dead whale, there were hundreds of birds feeding
on it; it was a monster; we were near enough to catch a very unpleasant
smell. How sorry we were to lose sight of the land again. We passed the
Inaccessable Islands the same time. One of them (they say) is eight thou-
sand feet high; they are fearfully gloomy to look at. Weather very cold.
We remained on deck until we were quite out of sight of the islands; we are
all perishing with cold; feel rather lonely; night coming on; cannot expect
to see land again under 40 days. Alfred caught 4 birds, Bill 1. They entan-
gle the birds in a line when they rest on the water and then draw them up
alive. They are sick directly they are on the ship. Going 11 knots. Pollie
sketched Tristan as we were passing.







Wednesday, July 21st. Good breeze. Bill caught a young albatross; the
second mate caught a cape pigeon. Fanny going back to het own cabin to sleep.
A great deal of sickness amongst the emigrants' children.

Thursday, July 22nd. Calm all night, a breeze in the morning. Very cold,
should like a warm by a fire. Bill just caught a large bird; it is good
sport catching them.

Friday, July 23rd. Very rough morning, going 13 knots, shipping any amount
of water; no sleep all night so much noise; the crew hard at work; our cabins
flooded; confusion everywhere. Rose and Bill got a  sea over them going from
our cabin; wetted them through waves washing right over the deck house where
Emmie and Fanny sleep; cannot get out of our berths till the cabins are
swabbed out. Very pleasant of a cold morning. The poor pigs and sheep are in
a miserable condition so are the poultry, poor things; they are so thin you
can hardly see them. They are well fed but they do not thrive. We have 10 pigs
and 11 sheep left.

Saturday, July 24th. A very rough night, no sleep, shipping a large amount
of water; enough to frighten one to hear the water washing backwards and
forwards as the ship rolls; can keep nothing in its place; we all feel cold
and miserable; everything is wet; but we try to make the best of it; burn a
candle in our swing lamp all day to warm the cabin up a bit. William makes a
warmer out of tin; suspends it over the lamp by a bit of wire; so that we
can have some hot water for a grog or we should perish with the cold. The
bread we get is abominable, the pork and beef ditto. We should all have
been starved if we had not brought provisions with us. We brought 7 hams
and a side of bacon; extract of beef, preserved tongues and many other com-
forts; but amongst us all they won't last long.








Sunday, July 25th. Fine morning; another child dead; patient's baby
christened; ship rolling so much I can scarcely hold the baby; we all have
to hold on. The child is named "Edward Percy", after the Captain and doctor.
We have some cake and champagne; they send a bottle and some cake to my cabin
for the rest of the family. One of the emigrant's baby girl christened after-
wards, named after the ship. At sunset they bury the poor little child; the
funerals always upset me ; it is one of the saddest nights I have seen.

Monday, July 26th. A quieter night; fine morning, on deck some part of
the day nothing of any consequence happened. In the evening our cabin played
a game of cards against Bill's cabin under many difficulties and much laughter
all rolling together sometimes but it is a little change.

Tuesday, July 27th. Bill's birthday; also the second mate's; had a cele-
bration in Bill's cabin where we all spent the evening very jollily, caught
two albatrosses. Mr S. bitten by one.

Wednesday, July 28th. Fine morning; Pollie ill with a bad cold; called in
the Doctor to see her had a game of cards in the evening.

Thursday, July 29th. Very cold. Going 12 knots.

Friday, July 30th. Sailor in irons for disobedience. Pollie a little better.
Rose, Jack and Fanny all have colds.

Saturday, July 31st. Very cold and a dense fog; miserable weather; have not
seen a sail for a month; long S.W. swells.

Sunday, Auqust 1st. Good breeze; 12 knots. Went to Church. A passenger
caught three Molly Hawks on the 31st.







Monday, Auqust 2nd. Good breeze; cloudy and thick; no sun; reckoning
to-day; raining fast; looking out and sounding for icebergs; afraid we
are nearing some; it is becoming so very cold.

Tuesday, August 3rd. People's colds are better; a stormy wet day; Emmie
and Fanny came up to our cabin for tea; a rough night; not much sleep for
any of us; saw three lots of seaweed; quite a novelty.

Wednesday, August 4th. Emmie and Fanny suffering from ear ache; rough
night; little sleep; longing for a good night's rest. Storm sail loose,
frightened us all; it made such a noise; we could not think what had ha-
ppened. The Captain had told us not to be alarmed, Only five sails up. Seas
coming over; swamping our cabins; all of us cold, wet and miserable.

ThursdaY, August 5th. Rough night. Shipped a lot of water, all our cabins
flooded, half way through the Saloon. Snowing; passengers making snowballs
on deck. Mr S. had a bad fail from one side of the deck to the other, before
he could regain his feet the ship gave another lurch, sent him again from
one side to the other, knocking the breath out of him, and hurting his side
very much. Several persons were falling about all day. The Doctor was called
out very often. All the women and children were ordered below.

Friday, August 6th. Weather improving a little. Mr S. obliged to lie in
his berth all day, side bad, at night the gale returned again. No reckoning.
Emmie's ear ache still bad, not much to be wondered at our all having bad
colds. The men can get a little more exercise than we can, we can only com-
fort each other and hope for better weather,

Saturday, August 7th. Good breeze, Ship lying well over which we like, we
do not roll so much then; Mr S. better; able to be about, we get over to
Bill's cabin, have a game of crib.






Sunday, August 8th. A tariffic gale came on at noon, all sails struck,
ship lying to, behaves well, looks as if every sea would engulf us. Splash
boards up to keep the water out of the Saloon, and our cabin, all doors shut
up and port holes screwed up, no services.

Monday, Auqust 9th. Gale abating, all our cabins wet, Rose very sick, the
rest pretty well. The Captain takes observations, finds out it is four hours
later than we thought. We are having breakfast when it is nearly dinner
time we all laugh over it; but it does not matter much to us; six birds
caught; we get on the poop dock for a little while; do not see much of
the emigrants or single girls; all kept below.

Tuesday, August 10th. A gale since midnight; laying to again; no sleep;
wet and cold. Mr S. says he doesn't like "yachting"; go on again at 8p.m.
10 knots;  none of us feel first rate; getting so little sleep.

Wednesday, August 11th. Laying to again in another gale, baby born, no
reckoning, dull and cloudy, expecting to see the top of the main mast snap
every moment.

Thursday, August 12th. On again; bitterly cold; how we long for a warm
by the fire. We get on the Poop Deck for  a little while; soon glad to get
down again; it was so cold; girls came to my cabin and had a yarn.

Friday, August 13th. Good breeze; rained all the morning; cleared up at
noon, went up for a promenade;  too cold to stay long; the single girls had
a skipping rope to try and get warm. We see very little of the emigrants;
they are beginning to get tired of the voyage. It is hard lines for them;
worse than ever now; it is so cold and rough. I cannot bear to look at the
poor children; some of them are very thinly clad; we hunt up all the old
warm things we can spare and give them for the children.







Saturday, August 14th. A very important day; a red letter day in fact; a
fine bright cold morning; being Saturday we were all busy; at noon there was
a cry of "Ship in sight", all of us were soon on the Poop Deck, wondering
what ship it would turn out to be. She was a long way behind us; so we went
down; had dinner, then up again, found she was gaining on us fast. We hoped
it would be the "Rodney" as Jack Miller and Tom Rochfort were on her; before
starting we had joked about seeing each other in mid-ocean and throwing a
tow-line to the one who should be behind. They did not leave till 9 days after
we could not reasonably expect her to catch us up; but still we hoped it may
be her. There was great excitement on board our ship, All the emmigrants
turning up to have a look at the ship that was fast approcoaching us. Through
the glasses we could see she was running up some flags; but she was not near
enough for us to understand who she was. After patiently waiting till 4p.m.
sometimes walking about to keep ourselves warm, then down into our cabins for
a short time, then up on deck again; we had the unspeakable pleasure of seeing
that it really was the "Rodney", she was alongside us at 4p.m. Wasn't
there some cheering. Unfortunately we had lost one of our flags and could
not make them understand the name of our ship, ships sighting each other
at sea talk with flags the "Rodney" came close to us and our Captain spoke
through a trumpet telling our name etc. We soon picked out Jack Miller and
Tom Rochefort; they were up in the rigging shouting out to us "Do you want
a tow line?" and waving to us; we returned the compliment to them, Our men
got into the boats and cheered lustily; we soon had to shout "goodbye", to
them, our Captain fearing we were getting dangerously near to them; sang out
to the man at the wheel to alter our course; and we were soon sailing away
from them. As it was tea time and we were all of us pretty well frozen; we
decided to go down and get our tea. The steward gave us a tin of haddock.
We all had tea in Bill's cabin; and decided on having a merry evening to keep
up having seen the boys. After tea we went up to the poop to see if the
"Rodney" was in sight;,she was, we could see her lights, it was so cheering







to see another ship bound for the same port. It came on a wild rough night.
We decided on having a game of cribbage. A fearful squall came on, which we
ran through at a fearful rate, it came on so suddenly we were startled at
seeing large sheets of phosphorus dashing by the port holes; we were hissing
through the water in fine style for about an hour when the weather cleared
a little and we could still see the "Rodney" we heard the sailors say we
should have a hurricane before morning, so we lashed up everything as  secure
as we possibly could. Rose was very sick; we lay down about midnight; did
not undress; felt anxious about the weather fearing we should be wanted to
bale out our cabin; we always get a lot of water in when it is rough. We
just dozed off to sleep when the gale commenced; the first was "all hands
aloft", then the sails were carried away one after another, before they could
be taken in. Five were torn to ribbons. The shouting and rattling about was
deafening, the Captain could scarcely make the sailors understand his orders,
with the noise of the gale which increased rapidly into a fearful hurricane.
The night was awfully dark which made it worse for us. We prayed for daylight
it seemed as if it would never be light again. The poor sailors worked hard
all night. They had grog as soon as the greater part of the sails were
reefed, and the ship hoved to; then the storm burst over us in all its fury.
Our poor ship trembled like a human being as the seas struck her. No one
slept that night. Every now and again I could hear the poor Emmigrants.
Children screaming with fright shut down below. I was very anxious about
our family; we could not get out of our cabin to go to them. At last day-
light came and I shall never forget the awful grandeur of the scene.
The  sea was indeed running mountains high, it was terrible. The roaring
of the tempest was deafening; the foam went hissing by our port hole; it
seemed as if every sea would engulf us. No hot water for breakfast; a
sea came over; swept into the Cook's galley; put out the fire; washed
almost everything out of it. We had not much appetite; we were in too much
danger fearing our ship could not live through the gale, We were expecting
our mast to go every moment. No passenger was allowed on deck. One of the







constables brought us news of our folks who were in the Deck House. His
wife was with them as the seas were breaking over the ship. None of the
emmigrants was allowed up. The gale raged all day; we dared not move about
in our cabin, sometimes lay in our berths or wedge ourselves up with our
boxes to keep from rolling down. Very little to eat all day. Anxiously
watching and praying that the gale may abate before dark; but it did not.
A poor child died and one was born in the midst of the gale. Fearful work.
Our doctor was an old man; it was with great difficulty he could get about
the ship in rough weather. Getting dark; gale still raging hard; about 4p.m.
a sea struck the ship which sent terror into our hearts. We sat shivering
in our cabins. Every place was wet and cold, several accidents; passengers
thrown down, things rolling all over the ship. We were almost in despair.
There was an attempt made to sing a hymn. "Eternal Father Strong to Save",
but it was a miserable failure; none of us could sing. It was a fearful
dark night; the noise of the wind and sea was deafening. Sails Were torn to
ribbons; nine sailors were injured; had to be taken into hospital, which
made bad matters worse. We did not care to turn into our berths; we were
afraid we should be rolled out. Rose and Polly managed with a little help,
to get to our cabins; did not stay long; there was no comfort anywhere, it
was not safe to go outside our cabins. We turned in at 2a.m. with our clothes
on. No sleep that night; we were too maxious. How we prayed for daylight.
Towards the morning the gale abated a little, and we were soon on our way
again, having hove to for thirty six hours. It was a scene we shall never
forget it was an awful grand sight.

Monday, Auqust 16th. Plenty of work for the Doctor, in the Hospital;
besides the sailors, the Second Mate got injured, Child died in the night,
was buried at noon. A very high sea running at the time, everything got
washed out of the Cook House, no cooking could be done, no bread made,
nothing but hard biscuits, everybody grumbling, wet, cold, miserable. Stormy
all day, and a wild rough night.





Tuesday, August 17th. Wind more in our favour; a good day's run. Went
to Rose's cabin for tea, and spent the evening as pleasantly as we could.
Plenty of fun, upsetting everything occasionally, all rolling about tog-
ether. Broke up about 10p.m. Fine night. Had a chat with the Captain. He
asked us did we not wish we were in the Isle of Wight again. We told him we
wished we were in New Zealand all safe and the voyage over and a good dinner
in front of us. He told us we had a few more storms to weather ere we sigh-
ted the land and sure enough we had.

Wednesday, August 18th. Had a meat pie for dinner; it was a mixed medley
affair but it went high. Captain showed us the Chart. The Steward brought
up two foxes he was taking out as a speculation. It is surprising how a little
thing amuses one at sea. They had grown quite fat since we sailed. They would
not have them in New Zealand. Had to send them to Melbourne. Made a good
day's run, fair wind.

Thursday, August 19th. Nearly becalmed. Got up emmigrants' boxes. Ship
rolling heavily, had to give up the Box affair. Second Mate better, one or
two of the sailors out again. Captain brought out the Chart again, had a chat
with us about our future home, hoped we should like it.

Friday, Auqust 20th. Going well and fast. All of us in good health, start-
ed getting up the Boxes again for the last time till we landed. Always some
fun when we had our Boxes up, Spent the evening in Rose's cabin, it was the
largest, ours was a small one. Going 13 knots, a fair breeze.

Saturday, August 21st. Fine weather. Provisions served out. Cheese running
short, had kippered herrings instead. Emmie and Alf and Fanny came up to our
cabin to tea. Our stock of candles nearly exhausted, (we had to provide ours)
the Steward had not any to lend us. We were in a fix. Did not like the thought
of sitting for hours in the dark. We had been rather extravagant. We often
burnt a candle all day in bad weather and all night too; the cabins were so
wet and cheerless, William started on a bartering expedition and we got a
supply first from one then from another.




Sunday, August 22nd. Fair breeze. Able to have service in the Saloon. We
all went and enjoyed it. All had dinner and tea together. Went to church in
the evening, Captain read the prayers and a Minister the lessons. Had a good
day's run.

Monday, August 23rd. A showery day, ship taking over a lot of water,
making us all very uncomfortable. Rose sick. One goose left, two sheep and
four pigs, William and the boys had a game at Whist.

Tuesday, August 24th. All hands busy commencing cleaning up the ship,
going about 16 knots, fair wind. Went out to tea and supper.

Wednesday, August 25th. Fine morning. Just clear of Tasmania. Mutton
chops for dinner, a great treat. All the crew cleaning up the Poop Deck.

Thursday, August 26th. A fine day. Only making 6 knots. Cleaning going
on everywhere, quite a tropical day. Spent the evening all together.

Friday, August 27th. Fine day. Only 3 knots. On the Poop Deck all day.
Indications of a change in the weather towards midnight. Another gale.

Saturday, August 28th. Gale still raging all day, shut up in our cabins
out of it.

Sunday, August 29th. Gale abating for a few hours. Miserable wretched
weather, the ship none the better for being cleaned.

Monday, August 30th. Weather a little brighter, but very unsettled. We
ought to be near land by this time, but there is no sign of it. Going
about 10 knots. Saw a steamer bound for Melbourne from Wellington, she was
a long way off, but we were pleased to see her. Had a small tea party in
our cabin, and a game of Whist.





Tuesday, Auqust 31st. Have only 230 miles or about that distance before
we may expect to sight land.again. Made a presentation to the Captain of
ten guineas to buy him a new sextant for all his kindness, most of the
passengers subscribing towards it. It was an interesting affair, plenty of
cheering sounded very lively in mid ocean.

Wednesday, September 1st. Up early. Expecting to sight land, nothing
else could be thought of. We were all on deck 6a.m. Did not sight land
until 4p.m. It was a cloudy day. After 10 hours of watching and waiting
we heard the glad cry of "Land Ho" at 6p.m. it was nearly dark. We were
70 miles from Taranaki where we had to land our emmigrants. We had 15 babies,
302 children, 167 adults to land in surf boats. The emmigrants very
busy getting all their odds and ends together. After dark the wind
dropped. We made very little progress through the night.

Thursday, September 2nd. Up again at 6a.m. Had lost the land much
to our disappointment. The Captain said it would be a month of Sundays
before we landed, we had been tacking about and drifting all night. At
9a.m. we sighted Mt Egmont. We began to be in good spirits again, didn't
want any dinner that day, It was a  snow mountain and a splendid sight
about 8,000 ft high, We were delighted with it. The day wore away at last.
At 6p.m. we were off Taranaki. Our signals were hoisted and name given,
soon we saw a boat approaching our ship, having on board a Doctor and
Commissioners. We then heard the first Coo-ee, It was a treat to see a
strange face. They brought us some vegetables, fruit and flowers, very
acceptable to us. The Pilot, Doctor and one of the Commissioners stopped
on board all night. It was dark and nothing could be done so the poor
emmigrants had to unpack and make up their bunks again. We all spent a very
merry evening up till 2a.m. Everybody jolly, little guessing there was a gale
springing up, We found it out when they began to tack and about ship. We
were near a very dangerous coast, not far from a reef of rocks called the
Sugar Loaves. We had to run to sea again. At daylight the sea was very rough.
The surf boats were to be alongside at 6a.m. to take off the emmigrants.






Friday, September 3rd. It was a scene I shall never forget. The sea
getting rougher at 8a.m.. One boat came and 40 were lowered by rope into it,
some of their packages falling into the sea, children screaming, women
fainting. When a wave brought the boat near enough they had to let go the
rope and drop into the boat, then the chîldren were dropped into their arms,
didn't they scream. They had to get a steam launch to take the boat ashore.
Another boat came, got about half a load, the sea was so rough, the boat
tossed so fearfully, then the rope broke. The poor things were drenched,
they had to hurry off with them. They were nearly all drowned in the surf,
no changes with them, families all divided, some gone ashore, and some on
the ship, gale increasing. Our ship in danger. Captain's gig gone ashore
or rather to a steamer with some of the Saloon passengers. Anxiously
awaiting her return, five of the crew were in her and the second mate
did not want to leave them behind, afraid we should want them. Our ship
was fairly jumping and trembling, so were we, The gig got back just in time.
All hands helped to hoist it on board when ou¤ anchoc broke and we had to
run before the gale, taking the Pilot, Doctor and Commissioner with us to
Wellington. We were thankful when we were clear of the rocks, and had plenty
of sea room. Gale lasted all day. Sighted land at dusk, running out to sea
again. All night a thunder storm and gale raging.

Saturday, September 4th. Took the Pilot on board, tacking about all day,
fearful weather, feeling very anxious to get into harbour, but the Pilot
would not attempt it in such weather, so had to make up our minds for another
wild night atsea. Passed it the best way we could, no sleep, longing for
daylight to see the land again.

Sunday, September 5th. Wind dead in front of us, no chance of our sailing
in. We had been sighted the night before. We did not know it as we were
overdue they were anxiously looking out for us, and sent a steamer out for us









at 4a.m. We had run out to sea again. The steamer named "Lady Bird" took us
in tow about 7a.m. At 9a.m. we were in Harbour and soon anchored, feeling
very grateful and thankful that our voyage was safely ended and we were all
in good health. Being Sunday we soon had the pleasure of hearing the Church
Bells once again. We had plenty of visitors on Board, brought letters,
vegetables and sundries. We had an excellent dinner, roast beef and vegetable
a great treat to us. The weather was wet and miserable. A few went on shore
for an hour or two but were glad to get back to the ship.
All slept on board that night.

Monday, September 6th. A fine morning. A Steamer came alongside took all
the emmigrants on board for Taranaki. That was the last we saw of them. We
remained on board for another night.

Tuesday, September 7th. Packed all our cabin belongings, had dinner then
took our final leave of the ship which had been our home for 206 days. Felt
very strange on landing. We were pleased with the land of our adoption.


Converted to electronic form by Corey Woodward


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