Nelson Immigration: Notes from Nelson Official Publications 1853-1868

Nelson Provincial Council Proceedings
1853 Nov 29 1st Report of Select Committee
John Waring Saxton, Chairman
a. That it is desirable that the Province should manage its own 
Emigration fund.
b. That it is the opinion of the Committee that it is desirable that
that portion of the Land Fund of the Province which is applicable to
Emigration purposes, be placed at the disposal of the Provincial
Government, subject to the direction of the Provincial Council.
c. That it is further of opinion that it would be desirable that a
communication be opened with the Trustees of the Nelson Trust Funds,
to ascertain how far, under the powers vested in them, they may feel
disposed to appropriate any portion of those Funds, by way of loan
or otherwise, for the purposes of Immigration, and if so, upon what
terms they will advance the same.

1853 Dec 21 2nd Report of Select Committee
Thomas Renwick, Chairman
a. That it is the opinion of this Committee that in order to initiate
any effectual system for carrying out the practical operations of an
Immigration Scheme, it is essential that a Board be appointed for the
purpose; and that such Board consist of the Superintendent and his
Executive Council for the time being, to be constituted by an Ordinance
of the Provincial Council.
b. That it is the opinion of this Committee that an Ordinance should be
prepared to enable the proposed Immigration Board to borrow the sum of
2,000 pounds of the Trustees of the Nelson Trust Funds, for Immigration
purposes; and that the Superintendent be requested to allow such an
Ordinance to be drawn by the Provincial Solicitor, or to incorporate
the same in the Ordinance constituting the Immigration Board.

1854 Jan 5 Immigration Bill read the first time
1854 Jan 18 read a second time & committed
1854 Jan 19 bill recommitted
1854 Jan 24 bill read a third time and passed
1854 Jan 25 3rd Report of the Select Committee
Thomas Renwick, Chairman
That, in the opinion of this Committee, it is inexpedient for it to
suggest any particular system of Immigration for the adoption of the
Commissioners, but think it more desirable, in the absence of specific
information or views on the subject, to leave the arrangement of the
machinery for the purpose to the discretion of the Commissioners
appointed under the before-mentioned Ordinance.

1854 May 4 Letter Superintendent of Nelson [Stafford] to Superintendent
of Wellington
... to the desirability of establishing such a system of immigration
as would ensure to the several provinces of this colony the 
introduction of persons of the labouring class, at regular and stated
periods, in such a manner as to prevent, on the one hand, an undue
scarcity, and, on the other, such a temporary superabundance as would
lead to re-emigration. In view of a general plan of action it appears
desirable that an agent, accredited from all the provinces, should be
sent home, to transact and superintend the whole business of emigration
to New Zealand. The benefits would be that the Provinces would, at a
trifling comparative cost, reap the benefit of the personal exertions
of a competent agent guided by instructions received from the colony.

Mr McDonald is the son of the Vicar of Blewbury, Berkshire; took the
degree of Master of Arts at Oxford; and is, I believe, from his
education, ability, general character, and knowledge of the 
requirements of the colony, eminently competent to act as Agent of
Immigration for New Zealand. I may add that a perusal of the numerous
testimonials submitted to me by him warrant the belief that any duties
undertaken by him would be conscientiously performed.
[Enclosure of same date by James W. MacDonald - notes only]
1. That a Resident Agent of Immigration should be appointed in England,
who should act for the whole of New Zealand.
2. That such agent should be a man of energy, education, and personal
acquaintance with this country, derived from a residence in it.
3. That the salary of such resident agent should be defrayed by the
various provinces.

The interests of the agent must be identical with the colony. He would
seek out those who wished to leave the United Kingdom, whether under
the system of assisted passages, or otherwise; would arrange for their
transit to London, would provide for their accommodation and 
maintenance in a suitable depot, and see them comfortably on board the
vessel prepared for their embarkation. He would also send out a certain
number of carpenters, bootmakers, blacksmiths, and similar artizans...
He would make periodical journeys through the agricultural districts,
giving lectures, and calling public attention to the advantages which
this country afforded. He would be speedily be recognised as an
accredited agent of the NZ Governments, from whom all information
connected with the colony might be obtained; and he would acquire a
degree of confidence on the part of the public which a mere clerk
from a mercantile firm, or an ordinary commercial agent, could not
assure.

The agent, as a man of education, would often be consulted by country
gentleman, and others with large families, who were unable to settle
their sons in a satisfactory manner at home: and he would thus be the
means of inducing many others of a higher grade in society to 
transplant themselves to country where they could reap the advantage
of those energies which they may not from pride and prejudice put
forth at home.

Estimate of expenses - 800 pounds per year.
Annual rent of office in London - 50 pounds; Salary of a clerk - 100 
pounds; Miscellaneous including office furniture, coal, gas, 
stationary, postage - 50 pounds; travelling expenses of agent - 300
pounds; Salary of agent - 300 pounds

Messrs Money, Wigram & Co have already offered to carry steerage
passengers [later withdrawn]. I apprehend that the in most instances it 
would be necessary that the railway fares of emigrants from the place 
of their departure to London should be defrayed. It might also possibly 
be requisite to allow a small sum for the outfit of those persons who
were unable to procure the requisite amount of clothing.

I believe it would be necessary to advance, or become responsible for,
the whole of the passage money for immigrants, in the first instance;
and to require the repayment of one-half within six or twelve months
after their arrival in the colony, according to the numbers of the
family, and the sum expended on them.

Ordinances of Province of Nelson
Immigration Ordinance Session 1 No. 8
An Ordinance to appoint a Board of Commissioners for the Management
of Immigration.

Whereas it is desirable that an efficient system should be established
for the Introduction of Labouring Persons and their Families into the
Province of Nelson, and that a Board of Commissioners should be formed
for the management of all matters pertaining to Immigration: Be it
therefore enacted, by the Superintendent of the Province of Nelson,
with the advice and consent of the Provincial Council thereof, as
follows:-

[Notes only]
Board of Commissioners: His Honor the Superintendentand the Executive
Council of the Province for the time being, a majority of whom shall
at any time form a quorum for the despatch of business. Superintendent
to be chairman. Questions to be decided by a majority of votes.
Meetings to be held monthly. Statement of expenditure and liabilities
to be published in the gazette.

The said Commissioners are hereby empowered from time to time to
appoint such persons as they may think fit to be Emigration Agents, and
to remove such Agents or any of them at their discretion, and to invest
such Agents for the time being with such powers and authority as they
may deem necessary for the purposes of carrying out the objects of this
Ordinance.

The said Commissioners are also hereby empowered to appont from time
to time some fit person to act as Secretary or Agent within the said
Province, and to remove any such person at their discretion, and to
allow to such Secretary or Agent such reasonable remuneration for his
services as to the said Commissioners may seem fit.

Commissioners may borrow up to 4,000 pounds but must be secured.
Treasurer for the Province to be Treasurer to the Commissioners.
The Commissioners will enter into books the true accounts of money
received and paid. The Commissioners shall have and use a Common Seal.

Money lent by the Nelson Trust fund up to 2,000 pounds sterling,
Be it therefore enacted that the borrowed sum shall be a first
charge upon the Public Revenue of the Province.

No other provinces responded favourably; either no money or that they
already had arrangements in place.


Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Immigration Report 21 Jan 1856
S. L. Muller - Immigration Secretary
J. S. Tytler - Agent in London
Vessels: Sir Allan McNab, Maori, China

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
21 Feb 1856
Cost of Emigration Agent:- Mr Barnicoat asked the Provincial Solicitor
for information respecting the cost of sending to England, and of
maintaining there, the Emigration Agent of the Province; also, to what
extent that gentleman has, by the latest accounts, succeeded in the 
object of his mission. The Provincial Solicitor replied.

Accomodation for newly-arrived immigrants:- Mr Barnicoat proposed the
following resolution: "That it is the opinion of this Council that, in
the event of additional accomodation being required for immigrants in
this province, any expenditure for this purpose would be more 
beneficial to the public, and more suitable to the wants of the
immigrants themselves, should such accomodation be no longer confined
to the town of Nelson, but extended from time to time to those rural
districts throughout the province, to which a large majority of such
immigrants must, on their arrival, necessarily resort for employment.
Debate ensued. Question put and passed.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session IV 1857 No. 8 Tuesday, April 21, 1857 (p23)
2. Assisted Immigration:- Mr Elliott asked the Provincial Solicitor
whether, on the dismissal of the Emigration Agent in England, any
arrangement had been made by the Government to continue emigration to
the province by means of persons who are resident here becoming
responsible for the repayment of the passage-money, either wholly or
in part, of any friends whom they might wish to bring out; and, if
any such arrangement had been made, to request that the particulars
might be furnished to this Council. The Provincial Solicitor replied,
and consented to produce the papers.

3. Return of Amount of Passage Money due to the Government for
Immigration:- Mr Elliott moved for a return of all sums now due to the
Government for the passages of immigrants to the province, the names
of such immigrants, and specifying the date when the payments are due.
Question put and passed.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session IV 1857 No. 9 Wednesday, April 22, 1857 (p31)
5. Expenditure of Immigration Commissioners:- Dr Renwick asked the
Provincial Secretary, whether it was the intention of the Government
to lay before the Council, in accordance with the provisions of the
Immigration Ordinance, a statement of the Expenditure of the 
Immigration Commissioners for the year ending the 31st of December
1856. The Provincial Solicitor, in reply, said that the papers were in
course of preparation, and would be sent down very shortly.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session IV 1857 No. 11 Friday, April 24, 1857 (p35)
The Superintendent also transmits, in accordance with the provisions
of the Immigration Ordinance, "Statement of the Expenditure of the
Immigration Commissioners, from the 1st January to the 31st December,
1856." J. P. Robinson, Superintendent.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session IV 1857 No. 14 Tuesday, May 5, 1857 (p41)
4. Return of Sums due to Immigration Commissioners:- The following
Message from his Honour the Superintendent received and read:-

The Superintendent, in accordance with a request contained in a
Resolution of the Provincial Council, dated 21st April, 1857, transmits
a Return of all sums now due, and hereafter becoming due, to the
Government for the passages of Immigrants to this Province; the names
of such Immigrants; and specifying the date when the payments are due.
J. P. Robinson, Superintendent.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council Session IV 1857
Immigration Report
Receipts
Vote of Provincial Council				1,000 pounds
Immigration Secretary (assisted passengers repaid)	1,310 pounds
Sub-Total							2,310
Balance from last Year					3,210 11s 7d
TOTAL							5,520 11s 7d

Expenses
Salary: Secretary to Board				100 pounds
Immigration: Passages of Immigrants			3,278 1s 5d
Immigration: Bonuses to Masters & Surgeons of vessels	373 7s 8d
Immigration: Remittance to J. S. Tytler			772 10s
Miscellaneous: Additions to Barracks			141 16s 4d
Miscellaneous: Rations to immigrants			106 15s 1d
Miscellaneous: Sundries					55 19s 5d
Miscellaneous: Printing &c				4 19s
TOTAL							4,832 18s 11d
Balance to next Year					687 12s 8d

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session V 1858 No. 8 Wednesday January 20, 1858

2. Immigration Ordinance:- Dr Monro called the attention of the
Provincial Secretary to the 6th clause of the Immigration Ordinance.
The Provincial Secretary replied, that as there had been no funds
applicable for immigration purposes, the Immigration Board had nothing
to report upon, and that the returns which had been called for would
shortly be laid before the Council.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session V 1858 No. 12 Tuesday February 24, 1858

Messages
Receipts and Expenditure of Immigration Commissioners
The Superintendent transmits, for the information of the Provincial
Council, a Statement of the Receipts and Expenditure of the Immigration
Commissioners for the year 1857, together with their report. The
Superintendent also transmits, in accordance with the request contained
in a resolution of the Council, dated 12th January 1858 "A Return,
showing the Amount of Passage Money owing to the Immigration
Commissioners by Assisted Immigrants, with the names of the Defaulters
and their Sureties." J. P. Robinson, Superintendent.

Contract with James Macdonald terminated 9 Nov 1857. Commissioners were
J. P. Robinson, Alfred Domett, Henry Adams and John Poynter.
Recommend that funds be employed in the introduction of the relatives
and friends of residents in the province by advance of the passage
money on security being given for full repayment.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council Session V 1858
Report of the Commissioners of Immigration

The Board of Commissioners of Immigration have prepared the
accompanying Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the year 1857.
The only existing liability of the board is the debt of 2,000 pounds
to the Board of Trustees of the Nelson Trust Funds.

Want of funds compelled the Commissioners to suspend all operations
for the introduction of immigrants in the latter part of the year 1856.
Notice was accordingly sent to the Emigration Agent in England to
enter into no fresh arrangements for sending out emigrants beyond what
the sum remaining in Mr Tytler's hands at the end of the year 1856
would warrant. In December of that year the Emigration Agent was
informed that, in consequence of the state of the funds, his engagement
would terminate at the expiration of six months from the date of his
receiving the notice. Mr Macdonald's engagement accordingly terminated
on the 9th of November last.

The sum left in Mr Tytler's hands, after payment of Mr Macdonald's
salary to the date last mentioned, amounted to 168 4s 8d. The sum due
to the board by persons who have entered into security for the 
repayment of passage moneys is 2,690 5s 2d. Of this sum no less than
2,161 10s 4d is owed by immigrants who have been sent out by the
Emigration Agent, on their own security for the repayment of the cost
of their passages. The balance, 528 14s 10d, is still owing by
residents in the province who have become security for their relatives
and others. In addition to the above sum of 2,161 10s 4d the sum of
517 9s will become due in August next, from immigrants sent out on
their own security. The Commissioners recommend that whatever funds
accrue for immigration purposes should be employed in the introduction
of the relatives and friends of residents in the province, by the
advance by the board of the passage money, on security being given in
the settlement for the repayment thereof in full.
J. P. Robinson, Alfred Domett, Henry Adams, John Poynter
Immigration Commissioners

Receipts
Immigration Secretary (assisted passengers repaid)	1,070 19s 10d
Balance from Dec 1856					687 12s 8d
TOTAL							1,758 12s 6d

Expenses
Salary: Secretary to Board				56 17s 1d
Immigration: Passages of Immigrants per "John Masterman" 980 5s
Immigration: Gratuity to Master				21 16s
Miscellaneous: Rations to immigrants			17 19s 1d
Miscellaneous: Carting					4 4s
Miscellaneous: Boat hire				2s 6d
Miscellaneous: Firewood					2 8s
Miscellaneous: Printing & Stationary			6 6s
Miscellaneous: Fencing, &c., at Depot			17 10s
Miscellaneous: Repairing windows			1 1s
Total Expenditure					1,108 8s 8d
Balance to next Year					650 3s 10d

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session VI 1858 No. 7 Tuesday April 26, 1859 (p15)

Messages
2. Immigration papers
The Superintendent transmits, for the information of the Council, a
statement of the receipts and expenditure of the Immigration
Commissioners from the 1st January 1858 to the 31st March 1859,
together with their report. The Superintendent also transmits, in
accordance with the request of the Council, copies of communications
received from Mr James Macdonald, formerly Emigration Agent for this
province. J. P. Robinson, Superintendent.

Councillors resolved to make 'agent' arrangements in Nelson - tenders
called for the introduction of immigrants - two received
1. Messrs John Morrison & Co - 18 guines per adult
2. Mr Scaife on behalf of Messrs Willis - 20 pounds per adult
    Had no positive authority to act for Messrs Willis

Morrison's tender accepted - having no reason to doubt the 
respectability of the firm. It was not until a considerable time after
the contract was accepted that the Commissioners heard of their
dissolution of partnership; when a letter was written to J. S. Tytler
requesting him to enquire into the circumstances. Letter from Morrison
indicating all was in order - contract continued.
Approx 300 people had been sent for - 53 of them expected on the 
Mariner - 2nd ship was to leave Feb 1859. Ships under Macdonald 
contract were Emma Colvin and Cresswell.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session VI 1858 No. 11 Wednesday May 4, 1859 (p25)

Immigration Commissioners' Report:- Dr Monro moved, That a Select
Committee be appointed to examine and report upon the Report of the
Immigration Commissioners recently laid upon the table; such Committee
to consist of the Provincial Solicitor, Mr Kelling, Mr Parker, Mr
Mackay, and the mover. Debate ensued. Question put and passed.
Chairman: D. Monro

Morrison & Powell contract - 18 guineas per head
4,000 pounds to be advanced as payment for 212 immigrants
40-50 already arrived in Mariner leaving ~170.

Nelson Province population
Dec 1857 - 4512 males; 3953 females; difference 559 males
Dec 1858 - 5203 males; 4069 females; difference 1134 males
Recommend introducing a larger number of female immigrants
Recommend 5,000 pounds be voted to bring out the 170 plus another
230 of which 70-80 be adult males.


Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session VI 1858 (p39)
Report of the Commissioners of the Province of Nelson
53 passengers on Mariner under John Morrison

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session VI 1858 No. 26 Tuesday June 7, 1859 (p57)

Report of the Immigration Commissioners:- Dr Monro brought up the
Report of the Select Committee on the Report of the Commissioners of
Immigration. Report read, and ordered to lie on the table.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session VII 1860 p23
183 arrived on Mariner, Queen of the Avon & Golconda. Commissioners
also brought 25 female servants from Melbourne. Morrison contract put
out to tender.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Session VIII 14 May 1861
Tytler was given authority to advertise and accept tenders for the
conveyance of immigrants to Nelson - the tender of Messrs Shaw, Saville
and Co. was accepted at 16 pounds per adult - ships Bride & Wild Duck.

Commissioners were informed of John Morrison being appointed as General
Agent for NZ and an offer was made by that gentleman to conduct the
Nominated Emigration to Nelson for 5% on the passage money & Mr Tytler
having recommended the acceptance of Mr Morrison's services. Messrs
Shaw, Saville & Co. were served with notice - contract terminated
26 Dec 1860.

Details of arrangements with Morrison
1. Agent to give notice to persons nominated, ascertain when they will
be ready to sail & advise & assist generally.

2. When a sufficient number are ready to embark - seek tenders from
shipping firms in NZ trade or by public notices posted at Lloyds, and
the Jerusalem & when received the acceptance be subject to the approval
of Mr Tytler.

3. Inspect all ships leaving with Emigrants & to see that the contract
is properly carried out in every particular

4. If delay in sailing - provide accomodation & allowance for Emigrants

5. Schedules of persons embarked to be forwarded in duplicate to the
Immigration Secretary - one copy in the vessel itself.

6. Schedules transmitted from Nelson must be returned with a statement
opposite the names of each person sent for as to whether or not they
have sailed & if not a reason be given - agent to advise numbers &
names of persons about to proceed in any vessel & the probable date
of sailing.

7. Proper bonds to be taken by Agent and forwarded in duplicate to
Nelson for securing repayment of passage money for any person whose
passage has not been guaranteed in the colony.

8. Certified lists of the names & ages of persons actually embarked
with the amount of passage money payable... to be forwarded to Mr
Tytler & the Immigration Secretary, Nelson.

9. Every precaution is to be taken by the agent to secure the comfort
and well-being of the emigrants.

For the period 1 Apr 1860-31 Mar 1861
Applications forwarded for 136 persons which added to the 169 sent
for previously make a total of 305 souls; out of that number 97 had
arrived per ships Anne Longton, Bride and Wild Duck reducing the
number to 208 souls, equal to about 186 adults, the cost of whose
passage, at the present rate charged in England would amount to
3,441 pounds.

18 pounds 10s per adult is considered high - but there had been a
general rise in freights on 20-25%

Ships mentioned in the accounts
Batch 1: Anne Longton, Bride, Wild Duck
Batch 2: Mariner, Queen of the Avon, Golconda


Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
10 Jun 1862

That any correspondence between the Immigration Commissioners and the
Govt of this Province according to the plan of Mr Nash of the firm of
Nash and Scaife of this City be laid before this council for their
information. Question put and passed.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
25 Jun 1863

The sum of 5,000 pounds placed upon Estimates is both injudicious and
uncalled for. Seeing that we may undoubtedly expect a very large influx
of gold diggers in the coming spring incoming immigrants would
probably be drawn off to the diggings thus nullifying the intention of
bringing out labourers to assist with agricultural & industrial 
pursuits. Also many drawn to the gold diggings may settle down as
agricultural labourers - 5,000 pounds would be better applied in
facilitating occupation of goldfields. This opinion was negatived by
the Council.

Votes & Proceedings of the Provincial Council
Immigration Report 9 Jun 1864

For the period 1 Apr 1863 - 31 Mar 1864
Vessels arrived with government immigrants: Bard of Avon, Cashmere,
Magna Bona, Anne Dymes
Total immigrants 187 passage money 16 pounds per adult
83 nominated by friends in colony
85 cornish miners and their families
19 female servants sent out by the National Colonial Emigration
Society and Miss Rye

During Miss Rye's visit to Nelson the Commissioners entered in a 
further arrangement for 30 female servants in addition to the number
already shipped - conditions: whole of passage money paid by Council,
if immigrants remain for 2 years in the province half the amount would
be remitted.

5,000 pounds voted
Contract for 1864 to Messrs Shaw, Saville & Co. at 16 pounds per adult
and should the number by any one ship exceed 40 a reduction of 10s
per adult to be made. First ship under this contract - Violet -
expected about the end of July with 60 immigrants.

Nelson Gazette 31 Mar 1866 p33
Immigration Accounts

Passage money per steamship Auckland 17 pounds 10s
Passage money per Dona Anita 172 pounds
Only 25 immigrants introduced during the year.
23 by Dona Anita from London & 2 by Auckland from Melbourne.
20 Female servants have been sent for from Sydney & are expected daily

Nelson Gazette 31 Jul 1867
Female Domestic Servants

Several domestic servants, needlewomen, shop assistants, nursery
governesses of good character, carefully selected by his Lordship
Bishop Suter have sailed for this Port in the 'Cissy' and may be
expected to arrive in September next. Persons desirous of engaging
any of the above mentioned servants will please send in their
applications to this office at an early date stating all particulars
as to duties, wages... Alfred Greenfield, Immigration Secretary

Nelson Gazette 1867 Accounts
Immigrants from Queensland and Melbourne
Wild Duck from London
Coleroon from London

Nelson Gazette 1868 Accounts
J. S. Tyler - actually J. S. Tytler?
Ship 'Cissy'

Nelson Gazette 1869 Accounts
Ships: Gertrude, Asterope, Wild Duck
still J. S. Tyler