Biography; Joseph HOPWOOD 1832 - 1893
Born in Broseley,
Shropshire in Sep.1832 and baptised on Sep. 29 1832. Died of natural causes on
Jun.13 1893 while working at “Longbeach” for Mr John Grigg, and is buried at
Ashburton. Joseph married on Jul.15 1861 at the Parish Church of Astley Abbots,
Shropshire to Sarah Ann Meredith. Sarah was born in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire
Apr. 28 1839 and died Aug. 7 1888 at Ashburton. She was the only child of
Thomas Meredith, Shoemaker of Enville, Staffordshire. Her mother's maiden name
was Mercier and she died at Sarah’s birth. Sarah was brought up by her
Grandmother, Sophia Meredith, who died on Jul. 29 1870.
In England Joseph was noted in some records as being a carrier, but others note
him as a a labourer, In the 1851 census Joseph and his father were described as
being farm labourers. There was no industry in the area where they lived so most
males were employed in farming. Joseph left England aboard the “Lizzie Bell”
for New Zealand on Jul. 10 1879.The “Lizzie Bell” was of 1035
tons and her Master was Captain Moginard. The ship carried 40 passengers
on this sailing and arrived in Dunedin, New Zealand on Oct.16 1879. He returned
home to England Jun. 1882. While
in England to collect his family Joseph
had printed a booklet entitled “A Voyage to New Zealand”. In this he
described the journey on the sailing ship and the various jobs he did during his
two and a half years in New Zealand. The cost was sixpence (6 cents) or seven
pence posted, a copy of this booklet is included below.
Joseph and Sarah had twelve
children, but five died in infancy. Only one child was born in New Zealand, that
being Arthur who was born about three weeks after their arrival in this countly.
On May 17th 1883 Joseph, Sarah and their children arrived in New Zealand aboard
the “Waipa”. Joseph only lived for 10 years in New Zealand. He died
on Jun. 13 1893 while working at Longbeach for Mr John Grigg. His son Harry was
working with him at the time of his
death while digging drains. Harry took his father home, a distance of twelve
miles.
The following is a copy of his diary of his first trip to NZ and his work there.
A VOYAGE
T O
NEW ZEALAND
BY A WORKING MAN
PARTICULARS
OF VOYAGE,
AND WORK
DONE
IN
TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS
IN NEW
ZEALAND;
WITH WAGES
RECEIVED.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ª* P R I C E
* S
I X P E N C E. *§
Per Post, 7d.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J.
HOPWOOD, KINVER,
NEAR
STOURBRIDGE;
OR TO
J. T. FORD,
GOVERNMENT STEAM
PRINTER, STOURBRIDGE
___________________________________________________________________________________
A VOYAGE TO NEW ZEALAND. On the 'Lizzie Bell'
1879. -2nd July, (Wednesday Morning,) Nine o’clock. —Left home for Stourbridge Station. Left Stourbridge at 10-52, for Birmingham. Left Birmingham, at Twelve o’clock, for Nuneaton, through Coventry; arrived in Nuneaton about One o’clock in the Afternoon. Arrived at the Gorse, Attleborough, 2-30. Stayed all Night with my Daughter Ellen.
3rd (Thursday Morning), Nine o’clock.—Left the Gorse for Nuneaton Station. Left for London by 10-16 Train. Arrived in London about One o’clock. Took car for 34, Leadenhall Street, Shaw, Saville, & Co.’s Office. Secured Contract Ticket. Received also card of lodgings, at Coffee House, W. Upton and. Son, 47, High Street, Whitechapel, and 13, Commercial Road. Had Dinner, 1-45. Afterwards found others at the Coffee Rooms waiting for the same ship. One of them went with me to the Docks, about three miles. Made enquires about box of Tools, sent a week previous by L. & N. W. R. Found box all right in No. 2 jetty. Found Ship. Went on board. Returned to Coffee Rooms. Posted two letters, at 5-30 in the Afternoon. Too late. for same day’s post. Had Tea about Seven, to bed at Ten o’clock,
4th (Friday).—Breakfast about Eight o’clock. Walked to the Docks about Nine o’clock. Found them loading cargo. Took ‘bus for Coffee Rooms. Changed ‘bus for bank stand. Changed bus for City Road. Had Dinner and Tea with a friend. Left for Coffee Rooms, 8-50. Took ‘bus for bank stand. Changed ‘bus for Coffee Rooms. Had Supper by 9-50. To bed at Ten O’clock.
5th (Saturday) 8-30.—Took car, with luggage, to Docks. Entered name and luggage; paid Porter One Shilling. Took tram car for Coffee Rooms. Walked to Shaw, Saville, & Co.’s Offices, to enquire for letters. Walked on to bank stand. Took ‘bus again to see a friend. Had lunch, 1-10. Left again by ‘bus to bank stand. Changed ‘bus. Went through to Docks, arrived about Two o’clock in the Afternoon. Walked full length of Docks. Counted seventeen large vessels, and a great number of small ones and barges, &c. 3-30, gave up counterpart of ticket. Paid One Shilling each package for baggage, and One Shilling and Sixpence for box of tools, Put baggage in berth; found name on, fortunately the top one. This day was the day advertised for the ship to sail. Five o’clock, had first Tea on board in Docks. Few of the passengers stayed on board; others went back to their lodgings. Ship did not sail, as advertised; had to wait for cargo. There were a small number of passengers, Captain and Son, three first-class (one lady and two gentlemen), four second class (men), thirty one third class (men, women, and children). Three families ill enclosed berths. Eleven men on our side. Made bed and put up line for towels. The Zealander went out of the Docks while we were having tea, having on board, as reported, three hundred souls, for Wellington, New Zealand. Among our party there are four instruments of music; some of them were playing and dancing until nearly twelve o’clock, by star-light, as the dock officers come on board to see all lights out at Nine o’clock. Slept well afterwards
6th (Sunday Morning).—Arose about Seven o’clock: (It was the fourth Sunday after Trinity.) Breakfast at 8-30, beef, bread, and coffee, an exception to the ordinary sea fare. Mid-day, had soup, beef, and potatoes for dinner. Tea at Five o’clock; to bed and lights out by Nine o’clock. Slept well, being very quiet in docks.
7th (Monday Morning).—They are still loading cargo.
8th (Tuesday) .—Loading cargo and provisions; eight small live pigs, live fowls, ducks, dog, and a kitten; the kitten being very small, was not old enough to look out for herself, so she became very thin and weak, and was thrown overboard. Several fowls and ducks died in the coop, and three of the pigs; some were ki1led for the cabin. We saw them, and that was our share. The dog fared better than the cat, as he was better able to beg his living off the passengers, otherwise he would. have fared much the same as the cat. The pigs, ducks, and fowls were lost more from neglect than any other cause, as the weather was not very hot nor yet very cold. All through the voyage at this date (9th October), there are two pigs left in good health, two ducks, and the dog. This is all that remains of the live stock, except that which came from Ireland on a blooming young Irishman, which has been a source of trouble ever since we found them out. A vessel has arrived from New Zealand this Afternoon, having on board a few passengers and cargo.
9th (Wednesday Morning).—Captain and owners were on board this morning. They are still waiting for more cargo. Afternoon.—Finished loading cargo and remainder of luggage. Three o’clock, moved out of the Docks into the basin, got into the Thames at 4-15. Steam tug towed us down to Gravesend. Five o’clock, had first meal after loosing from the Docks. Anchored at Gravesend, at 7-20, for the night.
10th (Thursday Morning) Nine o’clock.—Had Chaplain on board, sang “Guide me, 0 Thou great Jehovah,” with prayers and exhortation. 2-15, Afternoon, Captain called over all names. Three o’clock, Tug joined us again. 5-40, passed Sheerness. Nine o’clock, two females sick.
11th (Friday, early Morning) between Two and Three o’clock.— Tug and Pilot left us in the English Channel. 6-30 (Morning).— Counted one hundred and thirty-five vessels on the right, and twenty-seven on the left. This vessel has passed others on same route. Wind not favourable. Obliged to go by side wind. Tacking about to east and west, making only about one-third of real progress. 8-30, Afternoon, about ship. All females and children sick; two of the crew and a few passengers (men) in the same condition. Weather rough.
12th (Saturday Morning) Six o’clock..—Ship about again. First day of rations being served out. Previous to this, we fetched our meals from the cooking galley. Weather wet, but calmer. Afternoon.—More wind and rain.
13th (Sunday).—Fine morning. Ship heaving and pitching very much. Self not sick, but relaxed. Afternoon, showery. Ship heaving and pitching very high. Sighted Dorset shore this Afternoon. Last sight of the mother country. About ship again to left. Eastward wind coming up the Channel, causing us to wind to and fro across the Channel, being five days getting down the Channel, which would only take two days with fair wind.
14th (Monday Morning).—Wet, but gained one point of more favourable wind. Ship heaving very high. Spray, half way up first main-sail. Strong wind, going at great speed. Obliged to haul down main top-sail. Weather as cold as March. Makes one think of the bad harvest they are likely to have in England, in addition to the severe winter, which I had a good share of. In about two hours we gained about five miles on another ship on the same route. Seven o’clock, Afternoon, about ship.
15th (Tuesday Morning).—Was informed we passed Star Point about
midnight. Nine o’clock (Morning), calmer, all sails set. Twelve o’clock,
about ship. Wet. Steering west, one point north. Near the bottom of the Channel.
Nine o’clock, about ship again. Wind ahead of us, causing us to tack about.
16th (Wednesday Morning).—Reported to have passed the Lizard Light early this morning. Very changeable weather and rough sea. Spray high. No damage to tackle as yet. Afternoon.—Calmer. Ten o’clock, about ship.
17th (Thursday Morning).—Fine weather. Making but slow progress. Large steamer sighted. 9-15, Morning, spoken Swedish vessel. Speed improved. Making a good day’s sail without changing tack.
18th (Friday Morning).—On same tack, but getting calmer. Eleven o’clock (Morning), Calmest sea since we left Gravesend Progress very slow. 8-30 (Evening), about ship.
19th (Saturday Morning) Seven o’clock.—Foggy. About ship again. 1-30, have seen a drove of porpoises, eight or nine in number, jumping out of the waves as they rushed along. Going at great speed. 3-30, sighted vessel, homeward bound, not near enough to speak.
20th (Sunday Morning).—Fair wind. Making between seven and eight knots per hour all day.
21st (Monday Morning).—Wind and speed about the same as Yesterday
22nd (Tuesday Morning)—.-Fair wind; making about eight knots an hour. Sighted three vessels. 1-30, looking through a glass at a Dutch vessel, pitching and heaving very much. Our ship going very steady, considering the swell of the sea, and making good speed. Bright sun on dark blue sea. Grand sight.
23rd (Wednesday Morning).—Has been rather rough in the night, rocking and pitching very much. Breakfast-time: cans and other utensils rolling off the tables, and spilling coffee, causing a good laugh. It was what the sailors call a fair wind roll, wind being behind us. When the wind is plump astern, the ship rocks to and fro; but when it is on its side, it keeps the ship more steady on one side. Afternoon.—Ship sighted.
24th (Thursday Morning).—Weather fine and fair wind. Ship sighted yesterday still in sight, but we are leaving her behind. Seven o’clock, Afternoon.—Ship still in sight. We have had fair wind all day.
25th (Friday Morning).—Fine weather and fair wind. Seen steamer astern, which crossed our track. We have had about six days’ comfortable sailing on same tack, without changing about.
26th (Saturday). —Fine weather.
27th (Sunday Morning).—Fair weather and strong wind. Flying fish on board, about the size of a fresh herring; seen others about.
28th (Monday Morning).—Fair weather and fair wind. Afternoon. wind shifted a little. Two flying fish caught on board. First day in the tropics. There are five in our mess. Every week the other four take turns in cleaning.
29th (Tuesday Morning).—Fine weather. Getting near the line. We are losing the first trade winds. First week of my washing up and. cleaning the floor. I do but little making up of dishes and bread for the cooking galley. Morning, at breakfast missed tea spoon from table before breakfast was finished. Speed, about six knots an hour. The second mate had a fall down the hatchway, through the tackle breaking in winding up water tank. He bruised his arm, shoulder, and leg. Kept his bed only two days, and afterwards coming on deck a few hours every day, being warm weather, he soon recovered.
30th (Wednesday).—Fine morning, with bright sun. Afternoon. - Getting cloudy and calmer; making only about five knots an hour. Evening.—Wind getting astern and a little stronger.
31st (Thursday).—Fine morning. Wind shifted to starboard right side. Afternoon.—Wind shifting again to port left side: Wind increasing, after sunset, to nine knots. Although the weather is very warm in the tropics, it is winter here, and short days of only about ten hours’ sunlight. Soon after sunset, a squall arose behind us; sails were taken in ready for the storm, which soon overtook us, sending us along at an unusual speed for about an hour.
August 1st (Friday Morning).—About ship. Wind shifted to starboard side again. We had a general turn-out of beds and linen. We found we were infested with body creepers, supposed to have come from Ireland with a young Irishman. His linen was swarming with them, and those that slept nearest to him were the first to find it out. Some of them threatened to turn him out of the bunk, but he set to in good earnest washing his linen, so the matter cooled down again; but it has been a continual nuisance to us ever since; we cannot get entirely rid of them as yet, nor shall we until we leave the ship. Afternoon.— Rather squally. Sighted steamer and sailing vessel. We are going about nine knots an hour. Heat, 80 degrees. Had but little bright sun in the tropics, which made it so much cooler.
2nd (Saturday Morning).—Showery and rather rough weather. Vessel sighted on starboard side, on the same route as we are.
3rd (Sunday Morning).__Fine weather and fair breeze. Nine o’clock, sighted top sails of a vessel. Afternoon.—Vessel sighted this morning, fully seen, steering towards China.
4th (Monday Morning).—Fine weather, but rather calm. Mid-day.- Hot sun, but the breeze and water makes it much cooler than it would be on land. Progress, about five knots an hour.
5th (Tuesday Morning) .—Fine weather and quiet breeze. 8-40, have seen about half-a-dozen bonetta fish, resembling gold fish, but much larger, about fifteen inches in length. Mid-day.— Hot sun, but fair breeze. Afternoon..—Seen what is called a Portugese man-o’--war or nautilus, a jelly fish, about the size of one’s hand or larger, which looks like a skeleton fowl, with a long bill, having a pink looking fleshy or webby fin, which it rises above the water like a little sail, and is drifted about the surface of the water. It shines at night like a ball of fire. There are a great number of smaller jelly fish in the water, of all colours, which shine in the water by night. 4-30, three vessels sighted, home ward bound. One of them were signalled by our Captain. Great number of porpoises this afternoon. Cloudy, but favourable wind, making about seven knots an hour.
6th (Wednesday Morning) 6-30 to 7.—Have seen seven nautilus. Cloudy, with strong breeze, but westerly, causing us to steer towards the Cape. Twelve o’clock, about ship again. Afternoon.—Stormy. Sighted vessel on same tack as we were. Heavy rain, rather squally. Obliged to haul top sails and stay sails. Squally nearly all night.
7th (Thursday Morning).—Rather squally, but fair wind, that is to say, in the right point to blow us along. Nine o’clock, seen a piece of wreckage, being followed by fish of various sizes, who appeared to be biting at the wreckage. It looked like a piece of ragged deal board, about the size of a wine case, but torn ragged on the outside of it. Ship going about seven knots an hour. Twelve o’clock, mid-day.—-Circle like rainbow round the sun. Own shadow standing upright, not more than fourteen to fifteen inches long. Great number of flying fish. They are as numerous as swallows in England at Midsummer.
8th (Friday).—Fine morning, but rather too calm. Second Steward, who waits on second class passengers, refused before the Captain to continue his duty, and was ordered out of his berth to sleep on deck, and to have nothing but biscuits and water; He is a foreigner, very proud, and of a hasty temper. The sleeping on deck was no punishment, it being very warm; but living on dry biscuits and water seemed to bring him to knowledge. He stood out for a week, and then sent a note to the Captain, as we naturally supposed, to beg pardon, and offer to continue his services.
9th (Saturday Morning).—Calmer again. Time, by the sun, two-and-a-half hours behind. Time in England, between Nine and Ten o’clock. Have seen a small fin whale. Crossed the line this morning, between Nine and Ten o’clock. Afternoon.—. Two full-sized vessels on port side on same tack.
10th (Sunday).—Fine morning and fair wind. Sighted two vessels, one astern and one ahead. Afternoon.—Lost sight of vessel ahead, proving she was a fast sailer, as we oftener gain distance than lose it. The one astern losing distance. Evening.—It has been a fine day, with good breeze, making about eight knots an hour all through the day. Had about two hours’ hymn singing, with music.
11th (Monday Morning) .—Fine weather, with good breeze. Three o’clock Afternoon.—A boy cut his foot, by running against the carpenter’s adze barefoot. Evening.—Ship has been making about nine knots an hour all day.
12th (Tuesday Morning).—Fine weather, but rather calmer, making about six knots an hour. Sunset, 6-15. A little cooler. Made tub for washing clothes in out of a butter cask.
13th (Wednesday).—Fine morning, fair breeze (a blank space) seen a boatswain bird. Evening.—Sunset a little after six o’clock, making about seven knots all day.
14th (Thursday Morning) 9-15.—Sighted top-sails of ship on starboard bow, homeward bound. Passed us at Ten o’clock, spoken to by signals; she was a French barque. Darned two pairs of stockings.
15th (Friday) .—Washed two pairs of stockings and handkerchief. Torn and mended trousers. Second Steward resumed work again. Weather fine, with strong breeze. 5-30, spoken to British barque, homeward board. Sea swell rather high. 6-30, passed another vessel, homeward bound. 8-30,~ rather squally, and continued so all night.
16th (Saturday Morning).—Squally. Sea running high. Mizen square-sail taken in. Afternoon.—Calmer, making only six knots au hour.
17th (Sunday Morning).—Has been squally all night, with high seas. Three square-sails and five stay-sails kept in. Afternoon. --Seen one Cape pigeon. Sea settling down. Speed from seven to eight knots.
18th August, (Morning).—Calmer. All sails set. Passed Tropical Line; speed between seven and eight knots. Afternoon, calmer, making only five knots. Sunset at 5-30. After sunset, breeze improving. Seen another Cape pigeon; followed vessel nearly an hour. Songs and music on board this evening.
19th (Morning).—Fine weather and calm. Seen fine whale about twelve feet long; followed vessel for about an hour. One of the first-class passengers shot the whale in the head, causing it to make a sudden plunge and disappear. Breeze falling off, we are nearly becalmed, making only two knots an hour. 5-30, sunset. Very calm. Sky very red and a little signs of wind. 8-30, breeze stirring.
20th (Morning).—Between three and four, breeze stirring. 6-30, strong wind, necessitating the taking in of the top square sails. Eight o’clock, about ship from E. by S.E. to W. and S.W. Sunset. 5-30, nearly head wind, sailing with only quarter point of wind; making only seven knots an hour. One Cape pigeon and several Cape hens in sight.
21st (Morning).—Six o’clock, strong breeze. Vessel passed, not spoken. 8-30, six pigeons following our barque, passengers feeding them. Twelve o’clock, steering plump south, degree 29. 5-30, sunset; glorious scenery. Speed, between seven and eight knots.
22nd (Morning).—Fine, rather too calm. Making only about three knots an hour. Squared sails, steering E. by S.E. Sunset. Fair breeze. Steering S.E. seven knots. Nine o’clock, beautiful moonlight night. Making nine knots an hour.
23rd.—Calmer again. Making only four knots. Mid-day, fair wind. Making nine knots an hour. Five o’clock, afternoon, sighted topsail of ship on our starboard stern. 9-30, speed eleven knots.
24th (Sunday morning). Fine weather, fair wind. Making ten knots an hour. Pigeons following ship all day.
25th.—Damp and calmer. Sighted ship ahead, spoken to between three and four. Afternoon, ship laden with coal from Cardiff to Bombay, name Prince Regent, sixty days out; our time out, forty-six days.
26th (Morning).—Ship passed yesterday still in sight, but bearing more towards the east. Have seen one Mollyhawk. Calmer again. Making only about six knots up to mid-day. Four o’clock, breeze increasing to ten knots. Beautiful moonlight night. Eight o’clock, making twelve knots.
27th (Morning).—6-15, rough sea, speed about same as last night; reported to be opposite the Isle of St. Georgia. Speed eleven knots. 7-30, heavy spray reaching the hatchway, heaviest seen as yet. One o’clock, afternoon sea rolling high. Another topsail taken in. Sea getting higher. Spray reaching all across the ship, sprinkling the passengers and causing a good laugh; the wet and the rolling of the ship causing some of us to slip down. The fore-mail-sail half reefed up. Eight o’clock, gale increasing. More sail taken in. Nine o’clock, hooks of fore main-sail broken, the sail dashing about to a frightful extent; after much difficulty the sail was taken in. It was rather rough all night. No sleep. Luggage and cans bumping about all night. Thankful to say nothing serious happened.
28th (Morning).—Weather a little better, only four sails up now. Eight o’clock, two more sails let down. Seen three porpoises and two Cape hens, also about one hundred pigeons. 3-30, seen first Albatross. Wind abating, more sails unreefed. Heavy swell continues, yet speed eight knots an hour. Passengers have caught three Cape pigeons with a hook and line. Eight o’clock, Afternoon, sea continues to heave very high. Speed, ten knots an hour.
29th (Morning).—Had better night, dry but colder; wind from N.W. A little calmer, more sails set. Afternoon about three o’clock, wind getting much stronger. Four stay-sails and two top square sails taken in. Great number of birds following ship, among them many Albatrosses. Six o’clock, speed between eight to nine knots.
30th (Morning) 6-30.—Calmer. Ship steering S.S.W. Nine o’clock, calmer. Making only between three to four knots. Second week ended of my turn in washing up.
31st (Sunday).—All sails set, nearly becalmed. Making about two knots. Morning (6-30), about ship, E.N.E. Ten o’clock, about ship again. Point south, making about three knots an hour. Afternoon, six o’clock, log run six knots.
(September 1st).—Calm and damp again, only making about two knots. We are steering S.S.E. but the swell is coming from N.W. from whence we expect the wind to carry us to our journey’s end. We have no steady wind, but occasional gusts. Between eleven and twelve o’clock, we were drifting astern. Afternoon, four o’clock, moving forward a little, breeze increasing. By eight o’clock our speed had increased to eleven knots an hour.
2nd (Morning).—Four square sails and seven stay-sails taken in. Wind on fair point but rather rough sea. Ten to twelve o’clock, gale with heavy sea. Speed; nine knots. Afternoon, one o’clock, wind and sea a little calmer, making about seven knots an hour. Six o’clock, heavy sea came on board; speed, ten knots. Squally all night. Ship rolling with heavy seas on board. Making through the night eleven-and a-half knots an hour.
3rd (Morning).—Nine o’clock, squally, with heavy seas coming on board. Ten o’clock, hail storm. Only four sails up. 11-30, heavy squall with sleet. Captain and carpenter nailing canvas round our hatchway. Eight bells, four o’clock. Three squalls since dinner. Sunshine between. Sea running very high, awfully grand. All the male passengers on deck. We often had to climb the rail of the after-deck to escape being washed off our legs by the sea, which occasionally washed across the main-deck. A boy about ten years of age, was washed off his legs into the scuppers, and thoroughly drenched and bruised. Six o’clock, speed twelve-and-a-half knots. Between eight and nine, another squall, with heavy sea on deck.
4th (Morning).—Dry and calmer, but cloudy. Nine o’clock, bright sun. Great number of birds following the ship. Three females and one man playing at puss in the corner. Six o’clock, making eight knots an hour. 7-30, log run, speed nine-and-a-half knots; going very steady.
5th (Morning).—Fine and calm with heavy swell, but little breeze. Making only about three knots an hour. Nine o’clock, bright sun and better breeze ; have been washing shirt and stockings. Twelve o’clock, very warm considering the latitude we are in, being 42 south; about rounding the Cape. We are supposed to be about two hundred miles south of the Cape. Four o’clock, speed about six knots; swell increasing, squalls expected. Vessel rolling from the swell of the sea, not from the wind. Two whales have been seen a long distance from the ship. Six o’clock, another whale near the ship, we heard him blow before getting opposite the ship; he was a great length, at a guess by the first mate, about thirty feet. Passed Cape in latitude 19 east, 42 south. Speed seven knots.
6th (Morning).—Showery, with strong wind all day. Making about nine knots an hour. Latitude 23 east, 44 south.
7th (Morning).—Fine weather, fair breeze ; making about six knots. Mid-day calm again, not making more than three knots Several grey and white Albatrosses following ship. Afternoon.— 5-30, quite becalmed. Orders given to about ship. Hauled half sails round to wind; ship would not answer the helm, All hands stood still for about half an hour. Captain called first mate to consult. We completed hauling the sails round, soon after a little breeze arose. Nine o’clock, breeze has increased since six o’clock from one to eight knots
8th (Morning). - Rather squally, but going right course E. and S.E. Speed seven knots an hour. Six o’clock, afternoon, taken reef on main-sail, squally with strong wind, main-sail half reefed up. Mr. Leach caught a Mollyhawk eighty inches across the wings. Latitude 39 by 39 south, longitude 28 by 20 east. Eight o’clock, evening, log nine and half knots.
9th (Morning).-._Cloudy with good breeze, speed nine knots an hour. Eleven o’clock, calmer again, making about five knots. 3-30, wind changed from N.E. to N.W. Speed increasing to eleven knots; ship very steady. Ten o’clock, moonlight night. Log run eleven-and-a-half knots; the steadiest sailing we have had since we left London.
10th (Morning).__Wet and squally, part sails taken in. Making about nine knots, Sea rather rough. Mid-day, bright weather, calmer; making only seven knots. Wind shifting round too much to be favourable to our progress. Four o’clock, making five knots. Nine o’clock, calmer, making only two knots an hour.
11th (Morning).___Wind shifted back E.S.E. Bright sunshine. Captain’s son’s birthday, eleven years old, flags hoisted and rockets all night. Fair wind, making between eight and nine knots all day.
12th (Morning)......Fair wind. Afternoon, wind increasing, necessitating the taking in of part of the sails. Speed ten knots.
13th (Mid-day) .~ Wind from south; we are steering east. Four o’clock, wind getting ahead, speed about five knots. Seven o’clock, wind ahead, bringing the ship to nearly dead calm. About ship from E.N.E. to S. W.S. Ship scarcely moving.
14th (Morning).—_Fine cold weather, steering S.E.S.; making only about four knots an hour. Mid-day, little rain, with more breeze, speed increasing to seven knots. First Steward was found in his bunk the worse for liquor, when he should have been preparing. breakfast; got a good shaking by the Captain, and called others to account who had been drinking with him. Afternoon.—_Speed nine knots. Evening........Speed increasing to eleven knots and continued through the night.
15th (Morning)._Four o’clock, more sails set, log run, making ten knots. Afternoon. Four o’clock, raining heavily, speed nine knots. Six o’clock, getting squally, making eleven knots; eight o’clock, eleven-and a half knots. Wind shifted to stern, causing ship to roll all night.
16th (Morning).—Six o’clock, wet but calmer; making only six knots. Twelve o’clock, dry, with little sunshine. Four o’clock, wind getting more ahead causing the ship to be steered E.W.E., proper course being E.S.E. Ten o’clock, about ship, steering plump south, going slowly all night.
17th.—Fine morning. Head wind and sea, speed six knots. Four o’clock, afternoon, sighted topsail of ship on starboard bow; have been twenty-two days without seeing any other sail than our own ship’s sails. Mr. Leach caught two Mollyhawks, one of them measured 7 feet 3 inches. By sailors, about 40 south of St. Paul’s. Strong W.E. wind. Four o’clock, a ship’s light seen through mist of rain.
18th (Morning).—Strong gale with rain, steering E.S.E., gale and heavy sea all day. Heavy seas coming on board. The ship rolling, causing many of us to slip down, I for one, with the allowance of fresh water for ten. Bruised my elbow and bended the water bottle. We had a rolling night.
19th (Morning).—More sails set, speed ten knots. Grand rainbow in sight; great number of birds following the ship, Albatrosses, Mollyhawks, Cape hens (three sizes), Cape pigeons, and snow or storm birds.
20th (Morning).—Getting calm again, making only four knots. Mid-day.—Nearly becalmed, only making one knot per hour. Very s1ow and extensive swell. Afternoon.—Quite becalmed in 76 longitude. Evening.—Making a start again; speed two knots, up to midnight; afterwards increasing to twelve knots an hour, by six o’clock, Sunday morning.
21st (Morning).—Commenced fourth week’s washing-up, it being my last. Speed decreasing again. We have been ca1culating the distance we have yet to sail as three thousand six hundred and seventy three miles to New Zealand. Speed about six knots through day and night. Supposed to be the sun returning across the meridian. Getting Spring in this part of the World, we may expect rough weather the while the sun is crossing the line.
22nd (Morning).—Weather dry but cloudy; fair wind, but not very strong, making only seven knots an hour through the day.
23rd (Morning).—Six o’clock, wind shifted ahead of us again. Steering S.E.S., getting calmer. Making only four knots. Afternoon.—Log run, five knots up to nine o’clock.
24th (Morning).~Wind astern again, speed eight Afternoon.—Showery with strong breeze. Nine o’clock, log making ten-and-a-half knots; ship very steady.
25th.—Fine weather and calmer again. Mid-day.—Log run making eight knots an hour. Six men playing at tick; afterwards four men play at the tug of war; four men tied to each other, about three or four feet apart, a chalk mark across the deck, each two men trying to pull the others over the mark, by pushing back with hands and feet in a sitting position with shoes off; making good sport.
26th.—A few hours of sunshine, afterwards getting cloudy, with a little rain. Making about five knots. Distance from New Zealand about three thousand miles: calculated at average fair sailing to arrive about the 14th of October. Four molly-hawks and one Cape hen or sea eagle caught this afternoon. Eight o’clock, fine moonlight night.
27th (Morning)._Beautiful sunrise at 5-30. Wind shifted from N.W. to N.E. Making ten knots an hour. Nine o’clock changed to rain and squally weather. Speed, eleven knots. Port stay of main-mast gave way; soon repaired; but the main-mast will have to be adjusted after they get into Port.
28th (Sunday Morning)..~Strong N.E. wind, with small rain. Making eleven knots through the day,
29th (Morning).—Weather and wind the same as yesterday. Making eleven knots through the day. Ten o’clock, Evening.— Speed increased to twelve knots.
30th (Morning).—Weather much the same. A little calmer. Making nine knots. Afternoon.—Fair wind, but calmer. Speed, eight knots. In longitude E. 116 by S. 43.
October 1st (Morning), six o’clock.—Supposed to be opposite Australia. Weather damp. Going about the same speed as yesterday (eight knots). 10 o’clock, mist cleared off; sunshine with fair breeze, increasing speed to ten knots an hour: going about the same all night, and very steady.
2nd (Morning.)—Wind and speed same as yesterday evening (10 knots); keeping about the same all day. Sailors, carpenter, and three mates have been cleaning and painting outside the masts and ironwork of the ship, making the ship as clean and smart as possible, preparatory to our arrival in New Zealand. Sunset, speed increased to eleven and a half knots. Midnight, gale arose; heard Captain’s strong voice giving orders for some of the sails to be taken in.
3rd (Morning)—Gale continues. Sea throwing spray on deck. Speed, ten knots an hour. Strong N.E. wind. Clouds cleared away at sunset. Afternoon, strong gale arose; increased to great speed; too rough to run the log. Main-sail spanker and several stay-sails taken in. Rough night. The winds having been unfavourable, have made but little progress.
4th (Morning).—Only three sails up. Head wind, with heavy sea; ship having to hold to wind and sea lately. No speed in the storm. No accident as yet, for which we have cause for thankfulness. Hooks of foremain brace broke. Man at the wheel had to be lashed for safety. Afternoon, making a little progress; sea and wind settling down a little. Sunset, not very promising. Seven o’clock, “Haul the log,” was the order: speed, seven knots. Evening, calmer. More sails unreefed.
5th (Morning).--All sails set. Light wind; making only five knots. Steering E.N.E. Mid-day, breeze increased to eight knots an hour. Latitude, 138 by 45; longitude, 23 E. by 28 5. Six o’clock, speed increased to nine knots, and continued up to midnight; afterwards, gradually decreasing.
6th (Morning), six o’clock speed only about two knots Twelve o’clock, scarcely moving. Six o’clock, Afternoon, increased to ten knots since mid-day. Reported from Captain to be two hundred miles south of Tasmania. Afternoon sailor are taking in sails, as they expect a rough night. Going steadily but at good speed.
7th (Morning)._There has been heavy weather in the night. Six o’clock, wind getting very light, only making three knots. Eight o’clock, storm of hailstones, the size of large nuts. Mid-day. Bright sunshine. Latitude 46, longitude 44. Sunset, breeze increasing to eight knots an hour, and has been fine.
8th.—Starlight night, but wind falling off to five knots. Ninety-one days out from London. 6-30, beautiful sunset.
9th.—Fine morning, but light breeze; making only four knots an hour. Reported from Captain that there is a strong current rounding the Tasmanian coast towards New Zealand, making our progress much better than it appears to be by the log. They are painting and varnishing, making everything look tidy for the arrival at Port Chalmers. They have put anchors ready. We are, all delighted to see the preparations for landing. The sea at present is as smooth as glass; only moving two knots an hour. They expected wind, which came up about midnight.
10th (Morning). —Weather dry, but cloudy. Fair wind, making nine knots an hour. Latitude 47, longitude 150. Twelve o’clock, speed increasing to eleven knots. Twelve (Midnight).—Log’ run, making twelve knots.
11th.—Fine morning and fair wind. All sails set, speed ten knots. Afternoon still going well, eleven knots. 5-30, “Sail ho!” reported on port side, steering for Tasmania, Last seen previous to this was on the 17th of September. All passengers were eager to see.
12th (Sunday).—Fine morning, Great swell, but light winds, speed only about five knots an hour. Top-sails of a ship sighted following us. Afternoon.—Nearly becalmed, making only about. two knots an hour. The ship reported still in sight. It is reported that we are about three hundred miles from Port Chalmers, but only about two hundred from the snares or Rocky Islands, outside Stewart’s Island, which we have to round.
13th (Morning).—The breeze has been a little stronger in the night. Five o’clock, Morning.—Getting calmer again, making only three knots. Ship sighted yesterday, still in sight, has gained on us in the night. Nine o’clock (Morning).—Ship spoken to by signal, name “Calypso,” full-rigged ship, from London (July 18th), with full complement of passengers and cargo. She out-sailed us, getting into Port Chalmers the night before us. 2-30, land was sighted from the mast top, and in less than two hours from the deck. It was the Snare or Rocky Islands, as spoken of before. You may imagine the stire it caused after being full three months without seeing land. We had a good breeze through the night. We kept nearly our usual course, to keep clear of Stewart’s Island.
14th (Morning)._Five o’clock, we all seemed to rise earlier than usual; weather cold and dry. Eight o’clock, changed ship’s course from east to north. Five o’clock, Afternoon.—We have had. good winds all day, making between nine and ten knots an hour all through the day. Eight o’clock Evening.—We are about sixty miles off Port Chalmers; we could get in about midnight but they do not want to go in until morning, so they are taking in sail, and intend to tack about until daylight.
15th (Morning).—Five o’clock, “Land ho !” was the report. In a few minutes there were not many left in their bunks. The hills of Otago were in sight. Seven o’clock, flag hoisted for Pilot. getting warmer as we get nearer land. Nine o’clock Pilot on board, and his boat sailing towards shore again. We are tacking about, waiting for the tide. Twelve o’clock, had dinner. Still waiting for the tide. 12-30, the tug Koputai fetched us into harbour. Three o’clock, let go anchor. Many boats came out to us, on the look out for passengers, and bringing refreshments. A laundress came on board with a grand nosegay for the Captain, and to enquire for washing. Some of the passengers went on. shore to get fresh provisions and fruit. The scenery was grand around the harbour, more so as it was the first time the passengers had seen a New Zealand Port. Afternoon.—All the houses on the side of the hills were wooden houses; some stone buildings near the wharf. We expect the Agent down to-morrow afternoon. After the arrival of the Agent, and other Officers have been on board, The passengers for Duneden will be sent on shore, and those for Wellington will be forwarded by steamer.
16th (3-30, Afternoon).—Small steamer came alongside, to take passengers and luggage to the large steamer at the whare then loading cargo and passengers for Wellington and Lyttelton. It was a desirable change to have all fresh provisions, after three months’ living on salt meat and dry biscuits. The only change we had on our long voyage was a little preserved meat in tins once a week, and a little flour, and fruit enough to make about one pound of pudding or currant scones for each adult. Pickles enough for one meal, oatmeal enough for porridge twice a week, and dirty molasses to eat with the porridge. The worst misfortune was the cook seldom had room to cook it. After all our little grievances and threats to report it, I was stouter when I landed than I ever remember being before in my life. So much for a safe voyage in the barque “Lizzie Bell.” of Liverpool, Captain Moginard, of Jersey, chartered by Shaw, Saville, & Co., of London. Five o’clock. — We had. our first meal on the steamer, hashed and roast mutton, with potatoes. bread, butter, and tea.. There were a lot of chinese labourers bound for Adelaide, Australia, who fed by themselves, and eat more like pigs than human beings.
l7th.—Beautiful morning. We have land in sight all the way to Lyttelton. Arrived at Lyttelton about three o’clock. Went on shore for the first time in New Zealand. We had about three hours to go on shore and back. I went up to the Cemetery; found many English names on the grave stones, one verse as follows
“If
Thou should’st call me to resign,
What most I prize, it ne’er was mine;
I only yield Thee what is Thine—
Thy will be done.”
18th.—Arrived at Wellington about ten o’clock, morning. Engaged express wagon to take me and luggage to boarding house; found good accommodation at £1 per week. After making enquiries about employment, I found there were nearly three hundred men who had signed a petition to Government for employment, or support. At first view of this state of things I felt as if I had been imposed upon by Shipping and other Agents, who get books printed showing a glowing account of New Zealand, to induce people to go for the good of the Shipping Agents and Merchants. I found, after being there about a week, that three parts out of four of the men who had been applying for work would not accept it when offered to them, as there was work for all on the Government Railway. I found work the third day, breaking stones to put on a new street outside Wellington. Two-and-a-half days at stone breaking, afterwards a month on the Railway at six shillings per day. Left on my own account to go to Collingwood, north of the middle Island; cost by two steamers £2 8s. Found employment the second day to cut logs for a sawmill. Being a new chum I had to make a trial without agreeing for wages; the master took the advantage of no agreement and paid me only six shillings per day; the labouring wages were seven shillings, and the men at the saws eight shillings; so I took the first chance of a better job at seven shillings per day, to repair post and rail fencing, and prepare posts and rails, and put up over a mile of new fencing; this lasting full seven months. I lived in a four-roomed house by myself, belonging to my master, no rent to pay, and as much firewood as I wished to cut, and wild pigeons, as a change of food.
After finishing the fencing I went to Port, and found a farmer four miles down the beach, who had been enquiring for a man, to plough and do other farm work. I went over-land, to avoid crossing the river; I crossed the river in shallow water not more than knee deep, and engaged for twenty-four shillings per week and all found. I stayed three months, left for a change and to see fresh places. Went to Takaka four miles down the beach, crossed several river mouths, the first was the deepest. Sitting on a pile of stones, put as a mark for the best crossing place, I watched the horsemen crossing, being up to their saddle flaps. I waited until the tide was at the lowest. Stopped and waded through the others small rivers, which were five in number, not above the knee. The: Takaka river is not safe for people on foot, so there is a ferry about a mile above the mouth of the river, and a flag hoisted to mark the place, for foot passengers, or horsemen who come at night or high water. If their business is urgent, they leave the horses and go over in the canoe to the village and back. I found by enquiring that the man at the ferry wanted a man to attend to the ferry and fill up time in garden. I engaged at £1 a week, all found; I did not much like it; I stayed one month. Engaged with a Surveyor at twenty-five shillings per week, all found, to look after cows and horses, at his residence; there I remained about eleven months. Afterwards went to Nelson about twenty-two miles to Motuake, and thence cross the bay by steamer, found emp1oyment the third day at Stoke, four miles on the Wamea Road. First, about three weeks’ draining, 2ft. 6in. deep, at three shillings per chain, to cut out only. Afterwards cutting manuka stakes at two shillings per hundred. Repairing fences with stakes and wire. Fell witheys and blue gum trees, and finished up packing wool after the shearers.
I left for Ashburton, Canterbury, —three hundred miles, —by steamer and rail. Found sister amid family well. Helped my brother-in-law to build a four-roomed wooden house. Afterwards engaged to help with the harvest, at Thirty-five Shillings per week, all found; meat every meal, pudding two or three times a week. Drink,—Tea and milk. Left at the month’s end. Jobbing about, unloading coal at Railway, at Two Shillings and Sixpence per truck, and loading grain at One Shilling per hour. Gardening at same wages. Making sheep pens at sale yards. one day sack-carrying in a grain store. One day with thrashing machine, at One Shilling per hour, with eating and drinking (tea). No getting drunk when at work; but sorry to say there are many drunken cases in town.
I now prepared to return to old England, as I was getting tired of being separated from my family. There had been a contest going on in my mind for months, longing to go home, and yet loath to leave such a beautiful climate and good wages. I have applied for assistance to enable my family to emigrate out to New Zealand, but am informed that the assisted emigration is suspended. So I decided to go home, wishing my brother-in-law to nominate us to go out when the assistance is again opened to the public.
I left Lyttelton, New Zealand, 18th April, 1882, by Union Company’s S. S. “Aramata,” for Melbourne, via Hobart Tasmania. Stayed in Melbourne eighteen days, thence per Orient S. S. to London, arriving on Sunday, 25th June, 1882.. The voyage home was a pleasant one, via Adelaide, Suez, Naples and Gibraltar. As the voyage home is not directly interesting to those wishing to make their home in New Zealand, I have not given full particulars.
I wish to remark before closing, that there are a few, people from New Zealand by every steamer leaving Melbourne for England, on a visit only, who intend to return before the winter sets in. I hope to return with my family some time next summer. Anyone wishing to go to New Zealand, and requiring information as to the voyage and the climate, their suitability for the colony, and preparations required, I shall be happy to give them truthful information on application.