THE WEEKLY DISPATCH (UK)
2 Feb 1851


EMIGRATION TO NEW ZEALAND.-The first detachment for
New Zealand, sent by the Society of the Female 
Emigration Fund, left Blackwall on Tuesday morning, to
join the barque Stately, Captain Ginder, by which they
are to be conveyed to their destination.  There were 
32 in number, mostly young girls from 18 to 20.  A 
steamer took them from the railway station to 
Gravesend, where the ship was lying.  Many of them were
accompanied by their friends, and seemed in good 
spirits at their future prospects.  The ship is bound 
for Auckland, and is of between 600 and 700 tons burden.
The emigrants were also accompanied by a schoolmaster 
and a matron, besides which submatrons were chosen from
themselves on board to superintend the arrangements. The
Society have arranged to pay £15 a-head for the passage 
money, and have fitted up part of the ship for the 
accommodation of the voyagers. The dietary scale which 
is furnished by the Captain has been submitted to the 
Committee, and an extra supply of medicines, and what 
may be called luxuries, is consigned to the care of the 
surgeon, to be used as he may think proper. The 
accommodation consists of a large cabin and two smaller
ones on the main deck. The large cabin is about 30 feet
in length, and occupies the whole breadth of the vessel,
so that for ventilation there are six rather small 
windows, three on each side, and a large hatchway 
communicating with the deck.  There are an upper and 
lower row of double berths running down the length and 
the furthest end of the cabin, and down the centre a 
table with benches, with racks above for cups, plates, 
&c. A separation of this part is effected by curtains 
hung on rods, which go all round, which in the daytime 
can be withdrawn to afford more light and space. In hot
weather no doubt wind sails will be required to keep 
down the temperature. A knife, fork, and such other 









things were distributed to each person; also 
certificates, stating that they were sent by the 
Society, and the grounds on which their application had 
been granted.  Provision has been made for their 
reception at New Zealand, and the Bishop there has 
pledged himself to find situations for them, varying 
from £10 to £20 a-year.  One of the smaller cabins was 
allotted to the matron, and the other was to be used as
an infirmary in case of sickness. Before leaving Mr. 
Kinnaird and the Rev. Mr. Quekett, of Christchurch, two 
members of the committee, addressed a few words to them.
They stated that Mr. Sidney Herbert regretted that he 
had been unable to attend to witness their departure; 
that they did not wish to misrepresent to them the 
circumstances under which they were embarkmg.  It might
not be an easy life, and would require great 
perseverance on their parts. The voyage might not always
be pleasant, but they would add greatly to their own 
comfort by good conduct, obedience, and kindness to each
other. Those who could not read or write would have an 
opportunity of learning, as the schoolmaster would 
instruct them daily. The Committee took great interest 
in them, and would be very glad to hear from them 
personally, and would also forward their letters sent 
back in the ships to their friends. As an incentive for 
industry, they had provided needlework for the voyage, 
and they would be paid 6d, for every shirt they made.
Out of 400 or 500 sent out by the Society they had heard
from very few personally, though frequently of them, and
they had all gone on well. They added that, if any of 
them wished for a friend to join them, and chose to save
out of their wages half the passage money, the Society 
would pay the difference. They concluded by saying, that
every opportunity was given them, and they trusted to 
hear good accounts from all.  It is expected that they 
will be from four to five months on the voyage.


Converted to electronic form by Corey Woodw@rd