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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 44

Practical Hints to Intending Emigrants

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Practical Hints to Intending Emigrants.

When an intending emigrant has made up his mind to leave Britain for New Zealand, he has two modes of transit open to him—steam or sailing vessel. By the former there is a great saving of time, fifty days instead of ninety, and some extra comfort; by the latter, there is a saving of money. We propose to give details of each mode, so as to guide the voyager in suiting himself to his circumstances.

There is as yet no direct steam communication with the colony; but the Orient line of steam-ships to Australia is in connection with the Union Steam-ship Company of New Zealand, and passengers can be booked through, making a change of steamer at Melbourne or Sydney.

This line is fast becoming popular. The vessels are large and commodious, well commanded and officered, and having English crews thoroughly drilled and effective. Strict discipline is maintained; and in case of fire or accident, every man knows his appointed duty. The crew of each vessel, numbering from 100 to 120 men, are paraded in uniform on the poop for inspection every Sunday morning. The Orient steamer, the latest addition to the fleet, 5386 tons, 460 feet in length, completed her first voyage in December 1879, having arrived at Adelaide, South Australia, from Plymouth, in 37 days 22 hours actual time—say 38 days, including all stoppages—being the quickest passage known. The steaming time was 35 days 8 hours. Melbourne is reached on the second day after leaving Adelaide, and New Zealand on the fifth day after leaving Melbourne. The vessels are timed to run with regularity, and hitherto the punctuality observed has been remarkable.

The Orient steamers sail every fortnight from the South West India Dock, London, embarking passengers at Gravesend, or by steam-tender from Brunswick Pier, Blackwall, the following day, and also at Plymouth on the third day after leaving dock.

The following are the terms and conditions prescribed by the Company :

'Passengers will be booked for Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, direct, and at through rates (to be forwarded by separate steamers from one or other of these ports, according to their respective destinations) for the following ports—namely, Brisbane, Launceston, Hobart Town, and all ports in New Zealand. The page 113 steamers of this line are specially constructed and rigged for long ocean voyages, and make the passage in about 40 days. The arrangements for passengers are unsurpassed; and the whole of the appointments, including steam heating apparatus, bath-rooms, smoking-room, ice-house, piano, library, &c., are of the completest character. An experienced surgeon and a stewardess are carried by each steamer. The first and second saloon cabins are provided with every requisite—namely, berths, beds, bedding, linen, plate, table linen, &c. A most liberal table, well supplied with fresh meat and poultry, is kept for each class, and a cow is always carried. Third-class passengers must provide their own bedding, mess utensils, &c., such as mattress, blankets, knives, forks, spoons, plates, dishes, &c. Their meals are cooked and served by the ship's servants.

'Fares to Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney,

'First class : Saloon, 70 guineas each; main deck, 60 guineas each; second saloon (including bedding, &c., as above), 35 guineas each. These rates include steward's fees, but not wines, spirits, or beer, which may be purchased on board at moderate prices.

'Third class : Closed cabins, with two berths (for married couples), 20 guineas each; with four berths, 18 guineas each; steerage, open berths, for men only, 15 guineas each. The sale of liquors to third-class passengers is subject to the provisions of the Passenger Act, and to the discretion of the captain.

'Children under 12 years of age, travelling with the parent, half-price. Infants under 12 months, free.

'Passengers can be booked at through rates to proceed by steamer from Melbourne or Sydney to Brisbane, Launceston, and Hobart Town for 5 guineas extra for first-class, and 2 guineas for the third-class; and to ports in New Zealand at 8 guineas extra for first-class, and 5 guineas for third-class passengers. Passengers will proceed either from Melbourne or Sydney, as may be arranged, and may remain on board the O. S. N. Co.'s steamer at Melbourne or Sydney without extra charge, until the departure of the first branch steamer, should the Orient steamer remain in port so long; but the Company will not be answerable for any hotel expenses or railway fares, &c., if incurred. Passengers proceeding by the first intercolonial steamer for their destination, can have their luggage transferred free of charge, but at owner's risk; but no warehousing charges will be paid. Passengers from London desirous of embarking at Plymouth, are conveyed from Paddington or Waterloo Stations to that port, first-class for second-class fares, and second-class for third-class fares, on application to Anderson, Anderson, & Co. for tickets. This privilege does not apply to passengers from intermediate stations between London and Plymouth.

'A deposit of half the passage money is to be paid at the time of securing a berth, and the balance at least three days before embarkation. The deposit will be forfeited in the event of the passenger not joining the ship. Cheques, bank drafts, and post-office orders remitted by post, should be made payable to Anderson, Anderson, & Co., or order, and should be crossed "Williams, Deacon, & Co."Cheques payable in the country cannot be received in payment of the balance of passage money, unless paid at least four clear days before the steamer leaves dock. The full name, age, occupation, and page 114 destination of the passenger should be forwarded when application is made for a ticket.

'Luggage.—First saloon passengers will be allowed 40 cubic feet each adult; second saloon, 20 feet; third-class, 15 feet. Freight will be charged for excess at the rate of £10 per ton of 40 cubic feet. All luggage, excepting small bags and parcels that can be carried by hand, must be forwarded, carriage paid, direct to the steamer in the South West India Dock, and delivered there at least three days before the ship sails, otherwise it is liable to be shut out. The Dock Company require payment of their wharfage for receiving and shipping luggage before putting it on board. Every package must have the passenger's name and destination distinctly painted, or otherwise permanently marked on it, with the words "Wanted on the Voyage," or "Not wanted on the Voyage." Boxes for the cabin should not exceed 2 feet 8 inches long, 1 foot 6 inches broad, and 1 foot high; and those for the hold should not exceed 3 feet long, 2 feet 8 inches broad, and 2 feet 6 inches high. The ship will only carry as luggage the personal baggage of the passenger, not other property belonging to them. Merchandise cannot be shipped as luggage. The ship will not be responsible for loss, damage, or detention of luggage. Passengers should therefore look after its shipment here, and landing on arrival.

'Weekly Scale of Victualling for each Adult Third-class Passenger.—Flour, 3 lb.; bread, 4 lb.; salt beef or pork, 1 ½ lb.; preserved meat, 1 ½ lb.; soup and bouilli, ½ lb.; suet, 6 oz.; peas, ½ pint; rice, ½ lb.; preserved potatoes, ½ lb.; or fresh potatoes, 2 lb.; tea, 2 oz.; coffee, ½ lb.; sugar, 1 lb.; butter, 6 oz.; treacle, ½ lb.; vinegar, 1 gill; pickles, ½ pint; mustard, ½ oz.; salt, 2 oz.; pepper, ½ oz.; cheese, ½ lb.; oatmeal, ½ lb.; raisins or currants, ½ lb.; lime juice (in tropics), 6 oz.; water, 21 qts.

'The provisions are cooked by the ship's cook. When fresh beef or vegetables are issued, 1 lb. to each adult per day will be allowed, and, if practicable, 1 lb. of soft bread, and 1 lb. of potatoes. These are in lieu of flour, rice, raisins, peas, suet, vinegar, pickles, preserved meat, soup and bouilli, or biscuit. It will be at the discretion of the captain to issue, three times a week, to children under seven years of age, four ounces of rice, or three ounces of sago, in lieu of salt meat or preserved provisions; also 1 ¼ lb. soft baked bread, in lieu of 1 lb. of flour, or 1 lb. of biscuit, or 1 ¼ lb. oatmeal, or 1 lb. rice, or 1 lb. peas. As all the rules adopted by the Company are for the purpose of insuring the safety and comfort of all on board, the passengers are requested to conform to them, and to assist in seeing that they are carried out

'Return Tickets.—Passengers booking for the voyage out and home, obtain a reduction of 15 per cent, off the homeward passage money.

'For further particulars, apply to F. Green & Co., 112 Fenchurch Street, E.C.; or to Anderson, Anderson, & Co., 5 Fenchurch Avenue, London, E.C. —Managers.

'Caution to Passengers—Goods of a dangerous nature.—The ship will not receive on board any goods of a dangerous or damaging nature. If any such goods be shipped, the shippers will not only be liable to the penalties imposed by statute, but also for all damages sustained in consequence of such shipment. Passengers are specially cautioned against bringing matches or other dangerous articles in their baggage.'

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The steamers proceed to Australia by way of the Cape of Good Hope, touching at St Vincent and the Cape for the purpose of coaling. In returning, they take a straight line through the Indian Ocean to the Gulf of Aden; then up the Red Sea to Suez; through the canal to Port Said, where three or four hours are spent in coaling; next along the Mediterranean to Naples; thence by Gibraltar, Cape Rocca at Lisbon, and the Bay of Biscay to Plymouth. After disembarking such of the passengers as desire to leave at Plymouth, the vessel proceeds to the Thames.

A good table is kept, on which variety is studied. Fresh bread is baked every morning. The attendance is thorough, there being two stewards told off to each of the five saloon tables.

The comfort of the second saloon passengers as to diet is well attended to, and the third-class have their rations properly cooked for them.

There is an abundant supply of fresh water from the condensers, the water for the table being served in metal tankards, while in the tropics duly iced.

In selecting a berth, it is expedient to choose one which has a port looking outwards. There are several convenient bath-rooms, where the luxury of a salt-water bath and shower-bath can be enjoyed daily. There is usually a rush in the morning, but it will be found a comfort to take the bath an hour or so before dinner, when there is no throng. A bath steward is in attendance, and the ship provides towels. The steamers generally carry a barber and hairdresser, whose ministrations are found a great comfort to both ladies and gentlemen.

A minute inspection of all the berths is daily made by the officer on duty, the surgeon, and chief steward. It is of great importance that the utmost cleanliness and neatness be observed by passengers of every class. Every article of clothing, both outer and under, should be scoured or washed before embarkation. This is especially requisite on the part of working men and women. Linen which has been worn on board should be thoroughly dried before being stowed away. It is otherwise apt to rot, besides being unpleasant and unhealthy.

Addresses on luggage should be painted on the box. Paper and parchment labels are apt to be torn off. Covers on boxes, often found useful in railway travelling, are not recommended for use on board ship.

In going to New Zealand, no special outfit is required for use in the colony, the ordinary attire worn in England being suitable. Passengers should have a suit of blue serge, or other light clothing, for use in the tropics; and a cap and straw or felt hat will be found convenient.

Access to the luggage-room to get necessary changes of raiment is allowed weekly.

A Mercator's chart on which to lay down each day's run, as published, will be found a pleasure.

Everyone is expected to contribute according to his ability in any way which may help to pass the time pleasantly. Concerts, plays, and a newspaper are all resorted to; and it is usual for the first and second class page 116 passengers to interchange civilities by mutual invitations to their respective entertainments. Good-humour and mutual help ought to be the rule.

The third-class passenger will obtain his outfit at any of the respectable outfitters at a cost of or £2; but if he has suitable articles and bed and bedding at home, he may be saved this outlay. The mattresses should be cut to the size of the bunk.

A supply of needles, thread, twine, tacks, and brass hooks should be taken. Where there is room, pockets made of canvas or cotton print may be fastened up, for stowing away combs, brushes, and the like.

Deck chairs are a great comfort. The name of the owner should be painted on each. Passengers often take special delicacies such as cocoa, biscuit, dried fruit, and the like. In the steamers this is scarcely required as regards first-class passengers. A supply of sweetmeats where there are children may be desirable. There being a surgeon and medicine chest on board, medical stores are unnecessary, unless there is an occasion requiring a special supply. Homœopathists usually carry their own globules.

Passengers can engage cabins for themselves by paying half fare for the vacant berths. The additional room and privacy are well worth the money to those who can afford it.

To avoid trouble at embarkation, it is expedient to forward to the ship heavy luggage by rail some days before sailing.

Limit your luggage as much as possible. Do not waste means on the purchase of expensive guns, revolvers, and the like. Furniture of all kinds can be had in the colony at a reasonable price. There are manufactories of agricultural implements, where those suitable to the colony can be obtained.

Do not take any merchandise, or books, or pictures, in the hope of disposing of them at a profit. The auction room and a sale at a loss will be the result.

On board, practise abstinence for the time being. The voyage will be more enjoyable, health better, and the temper in finer tone. Once liquors are resorted to, the want of occupation is certain to lead to abuse.

Avoid gambling, and refuse all applications for loans. Foolish youngsters are apt to squander their ready cash at card-playing and the steward's bar, and trust to their increasing needs being supplied by their companions.

Be careful of intimacies. Be civil and friendly with all, but not over-confiding.

Take only a few sovereigns with you. The bulk of your money may be transferred to the colony by a letter of credit payable to yourself; obtained from any of the banks in Scotland; or from the Bank of New Zealand, 1 Victoria Street, Mansion House, London; the National Bank of New Zealand, London; the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, 13 Moorgate Street, London; or the Australian banks in London, mentioned previously.

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The voyage to New Zealand by sailing-vessel usually occupies from 80 to 90 days. The vessels employed are well equipped, roomy and convenient, ranging in tonnage from 900 to 1300 tons register. The passage is generally pleasant and safe, the best routes for securing the prevailing winds being now well known. The best time to leave Britain is during summer and autumn. The ships are less liable to storms off the English coast, and the Cape is got round at a good season. Working men also thereby arrive in the colony in the summer season, when labour is likely to be in demand.

There are several advantages gained in taking a passage by an emigrant ship. A rigid inspection is made by the government emigration officer before sailing, to see that the vessel is in every respect sea-worthy; that the boats are all in good order and ready for launching at a moment's notice; that the crew are able-bodied and efficient,; that the provisions, water, and medicines are all good and ample; and that there is no overloading. The government insist on the ships being two or three feet above 'Plimsoll's mark,' thus adding to the comfort and safety of the passengers. The Agent of the New Zealand government also inspects the vessels and superintends the fittings and arrangements for light and ventilation.

In emigrant ships there are also the advantages of a surgeon, matron, and schoolmaster.

Passengers who prefer less bustle may take their passage in what is called a 'short ship'—that is, a vessel carrying a limited number of passengers, say 30 or 40, and therefore not within the Passengers Act. Sometimes these latter ships do not carry a surgeon.

Saloon passengers are supplied with a liberal dietary, including live-stock, but not wines, spirits, or malt liquors, which can be had on board at fixed charges.

Second cabin and steerage passengers are supplied with rations according to a fixed scale, which will be found more than sufficient; but they may find it expedient to take a few luxuries with them not specified in the dietary. There are slight differences in the scale adopted by the different Companies. Full details are given in the circulars to be obtained at the shipping offices. Special provision is made for the food of children, and especially for those of tender years.

Cabin passengers must furnish their own state-rooms, the principal articles required being beds, bedding, linen, towels, soap, &c.; all the other requisites will be supplied. The other passengers will have to provide themselves with beds, bedding, and towels; and also with a knife and fork each, one table-spoon, one tea-spoon, one tin plate, one drinking-can, one tin quart and pint pot, one slop-pail, and a keg or can for holding water. These can be had from any respectable outfitter at a cost of about £4, 8s. 6cL for cabin furnishings, and £1 for steerage; but if a better quality is wanted than is usually supplied, it can be got at a little extra expense. The agents of the ship will be glad to give the names of some respectable outfitters.

As to clothing required by the passengers on the voyage, much will page 118 depend on the circumstances of the emigrant. The following, however, is about the least which any one should take—namely:

Children.—1 overcoat; 2 suits of clothes; 6 shirts or shifts; 4 flannel petticoats; 6 pairs stockings; 2 pairs good boots or shoes; gloves; 2 hats.

Women.—1 overcloak; 2 gowns, 1 warm; 6 shifts; 2 good flannel petticoats; 6 pairs stockings; 2 pairs strong boots or shoes; gloves and caps.

Men.—1 overcoat (strong); 2 suits of clothes; 6 shirts; 2 flannel shirts; 6 pairs socks or stockings; 2 pairs strong boots; 1 Scotch cap, and a south-wester; 4 towels and 2 lbs. marine soap for each person.

Passengers, especially those who are delicate, should take a good supply of warm clothing, as, though they may expect warm weather during most of the voyage, the ships, having to go pretty far south before they get to New Zealand, often meet with very cold weather also.

There are three Companies who undertake to convey emigrants to New Zealand. If the intending emigrant resides in Scotland, the north of England, or the north of Ireland, it will be more convenient for him to sail from the Clyde. He should apply to Messrs Patrick Henderson & Co., 15 St Vincent Place, Glasgow, the owners of the Albion line of vessels. The fleet consists of seventeen first-class ships, one of which sails every month. Their trade is chiefly with Dunedin, to which port they have carried during the last twenty-five years thousands of passengers without an accident.

The rates of passage are : First Cabin, 40 guineas for each adult. Steerage, £17 for each adult. Children between one and twelve years of age, half fare; infants, free.

Through tickets are granted to other ports; and the Company undertake to forward passengers by first steamer after arrival in the colony.

If the emigrant hails from England or the south of Ireland, he will find it more convenient to sail from London. He can apply to Messrs Shaw, Savill, & Co., 34 Leadenhall Street, E.C.; or to the New Zealand Shipping Company, 84 Bishopsgate Street Within, E.C.

The passage-rates of both Companies are as follows: Saloon, including bedding, &c., £52, 10s,; without bedding, &c., .£45; Second Cabin, £25; Steerage, enclosed berths, £18; open berths, £16. Children under twelve years of age pay one-half fare; infants under twelve months, free.

Messrs Shaw, Savill, & Co. have been long established, and have carried many thousands of passengers to all parts of the colony. Their packets, which are first-class ships, sail at short intervals throughout the year for all the provinces. Their New Zealand Hand-Book, forwarded post free for a shilling, affords much useful information.

The New Zealand Shipping Company is a colonial joint-stock Company, with the head office in Christchurch, New Zealand, and having also a London office. It now owns a fine fleet of seventeen first-class ships, which are despatched in rotation regularly every month to the principal ports in the colony. .The Company have hitherto conducted their business successfully.

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When the emigrant has selected his ship, he should write for particulars and regulations. These must be strictly adhered to. They are to the same effect in all the Companies, any variation between the Glasgow and London Companies being slight.

The suggestions previously made in reference to the voyage by steam-vessel, will apply for the most part to passengers by sailing-ships.

It may be added, that passengers should insure their effects before sailing. The insurance may include their passage-money, and also their lives against death caused by accident to or loss of the ship. The premium on effects is 20s. per £100; on lives, 12s. 6d. per £100. The agents for the ship will affect the insurance if desired.

In cases where assistance is required, application should be made to the Agent-general for a copy of the printed conditions on which free and assisted passages are given, if in force at the time, as it occasionally happens that the granting of such passages is suspended when the colonial government find it expedient to do so.

The classes usually eligible are married and single farm labourers; also single women, such as cooks, housemaids, nurses, general servants, dairy-maids, &c. who are not under 15, nor over 35 years of age; also, persons nominated by their friends in New Zealand, provided such nominations have been approved by the government in the colony. In all cases they must be sober, industrious, of good moral character, of sound mind, free from bodily defect or deformity, in good health, able to perform the duties of the occupations to which they belong, and must be going to the colony to reside and settle there.

Emigrants receiving free or assisted passage, on arriving at their destination are received by officers of the government, and maintained for a reasonable time at a comfortable depot. They are free to make their own engagements, and are not required to repay any amount of the passage cost (unless specially stipulated before sailing), nor are they required to work for the government.

Full information as to the current rate of wages can be obtained at the depots in the colony, and lists of persons requiring servants, &c. are kept there.

Nominated persons are those who have been named by their friends in New Zealand as suitable emigrants; and subject to such nominations being approved by the government in the colony, and to the particulars given respecting them being correct, and to their having good health and char-acters, they will be offered passages by the first available ships.

All passengers, on arriving at their destination, are usually desirous to land immediately. Before removing their effects, it is expedient that they should first seek out suitable lodgings. In the sailing-ships they are allowed to remain on board two days. There are excellent family hotels and boarding-houses, as well as good lodgings to be had in all the chief towns. Cottages and houses will also be found to let The daily papers should be examined for advertisements concerning houses and lodgings to let. The page 120 representatives of the shipping Companies will cheerfully give advice to the passengers if necessary.

When settled, and the luggage all brought from the ship, the emigrant, if he desires employment, should go to the places where registers are kept to make inquiry. 'The Labour Exchange' is the designation of some of these registers.

If the emigrant intends to purchase land, he should at once proceed to the Land Office in the town at which he has landed. The clerk in attendance will inform him what land is open for selection, and the terms. He will also exhibit maps of the districts. Lithographed maps of the blocks open for sale can be had for a shilling each. It may be useful to obtain the advice of some respectable land agent in the matter.

Before making a purchase, the emigrant should invariably go to the land offered and examine it, at the same time making inquiry concerning it from all sources likely to afford information.

It may be also advisable, if time permit and he is not satisfied, before coming to a conclusion, for the intending settler to take a trip by steamer to other districts which may be open, and examine them also.

As the route to New Zealand viâ San Francisco is the quickest, many passengers prefer it, although it is attended with the inconvenience of changing steamers, and a tedious railway journey. It is certainly not desirable where there is a family. It is believed to be practicable by this route to bring New Zealand within thirty days of London, by means of powerful steamers running at the rate of knots an hour. A scheme of this kind is said to be at present in contemplation.

The following is a sketch of