TRAVEL IN PAST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 April 1940, Page 9

TRAVEL IN PAST

■ SETTLERS' HARDSHIPS. I THE EMIGRANT SHIPS. Life during long ocean voyages IronGreat Britain and the shipboard accommodation known to the forebears of many Now Zealanders are described in a history of the Shaw. Savill anc Albion Company, Limited, compiled bj its London principals to coincide with the Centennial celebrations in the Dominion. The publication “The Flag of the Southern Cross.” deals with the progress of the company since its inception in 1858.

When New Zealand needed immigrants it was this company. it is claimed, which carried most of the pioneers. Gold rushes followed one another rapidly. These were prosperous days and the ships ran full. Ai one time a person could travel from London to Otago for as little as £l3 10s and from Glasgow for £l2.

It was an invariable rule that the emigrants were strictly divided —the single men forward, the married couples and young children amidships, and the single girls aft. The captains frequently married couples on board, but the legality of this was always in doubt, and they were generally advised 1 to go through the ceremony again on reaching New Zealand. First-class passengers at one time had to provide the furniture they rei quired for their comfort in their cabins. The ’tween decks were fitted out so that the mess tables could be hoisted up to the deck above when they were not in use. Fresh meat was served as long as it would last, and the livestock which was shipped on deck was principally for saloon passengers. As much as possible, however, would find its way into the ’tween decks. In spite of the hardships suffered compared with modern conditions, the passengers seldom complained. They had the land of promise before them. To lighten the monotony of the voyage concerts were organised, and living waxworks made a very popular entertainment. Deck sports were held whenever the weather permitted. A well-educated passenger would usually volunteer to conduct a school for the children on board.

Two or more “constables” were appointed from among the male emigrants, and for a small fee or food concessions they acted as masters-at-arms. Their punishments were often unorthodox. There were cases of seamen attempting to be familiar with girl emigrants finding themselves hoisted up to the yard-arm by the back of their belts. The year 1875 saw a marked reduction in the number of emigrants assisted by the New Zealand Government. but. other factors prevented the steerage business declining too far. I One was the idea of Mr Vesey Stew-1 art. who toured Britain giving lectures on the golden opportunities of the Katikati and Te Puke districts, which he had earmarked for settlement. One catch phrase was: “Tickle the land with a hoe and it will laugh a harvest.” In the words of a prominent New Zealander at the time, the sections would have needed a steam tractor to make an impression. In his appeals to the labouring classes Mr Stewart's helpers would end by singing: "Eight hours' work, eight hours' play, eight hours' sleep, and eight bob a day." Many prospective settlers answered the call.