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Family
Marriage: Children:
  1. Sarah Jane Smith: Birth: 1868.


Family
Marriage: Children:
  1. Laura Elizabeth Isobel Hunter Smith: Birth: 1877 in New Zealand. Death: 1942 in Wellington

  2. Charlotte Julia Smith: Birth: 1878 in New Zealand. Death: 11 NOV 1966 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

  3. Agnes Caroline Smith: Birth: 1879 in New Zealand. Death: 1921 in New Zealand

  4. John Charles Smith: Birth: 1881 in New Zealand. Death: 1918 in Wellington, New Zealand

  5. Thomas Richard Smith: Birth: 27 JUL 1882 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealanad. Death: 19 JUL 1948 in Dunedin, New Zealand

  6. William James Smith: Birth: 8 JUN 1884 in Dunedin, New Zealand. Death: 19 SEP 1943 in Cambridge

  7. Rubina Margaret Smith: Birth: 21 OCT 1885 in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Death: 26 DEC 1972 in Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

  8. Ida Christina Smith: Birth: 1889 in New Zealand. Death: 1944 in Wellington


Sources
1. Title:   NZ Electoral Rolls 1853-1981
2. Title:   Family letter to Grace Smith on the death of William James Smith
Author:   Carlson E Holmes
Text:   P.O.Box 362 Christchurch NZ 22.11.44 Dear Aunt Grace, You may be rather surprised to receive this letter from me, as likely as not, you might never have heard of me except from Uncle Bill. However, Aunt Ruby is staying with us at the moment and she showed me your letter. I was very sorry indeed to hear of your loss. I wrote to Uncle Bill some years back and did not receive an answer. So it is possible that the letter went astray. The last time I saw him was when I was 16, which was just after the last war in which, as you know, he saw long service. I sincerely hope my cousin in France is going strong. If you send me his address, I will write him and send a New Zealand parcel. My mother and father were in Christchurch a week or so back and returned to Dunedin after a pleasant stay. We are now really beginning summer and, I think, we are in for some warm weather at last. It gets very cold here in the winter and in the past winter, we have had up to 15 degrees of frost. Last winter, when I was in the army, I did complete a tour of the South Island in which, as you may know, the weather varies considerably. On that trip, we struck snow and ice and one morning, it was down to zero. In Central Otago, below zero has been recorded on several occasions. Yet, in the North Island, frosts are unknown on the coasts. During the past year, I have also been right through the North Island. I am now out of the army and back at work. I was a supply officer and did not make the medical grade for overseas. For which, my wife and daughter Andrea (aged 14) were very grateful. I am assistant manager of J. Ilott Ltd., in Christchurch. You may occasionally see their name in the English papers. They are a publicity firm and, among my work, I also write radio scripts. This is most interesting work and I like it very much. Incidentally, If there are any facts or books about New Zealand which your family would like, please let me know. While I was at the University, I began collecting historical data of New Zealand and have written a fair bit about it. So, if there is any phase in which they are interested, I will be happy to help. You will, of course, heard how uncle Bill's father, my grandfather, arrived in Otago in the fifties in the ship "Lady Egidia" which took some ten months to make the trip. I have tried to find out the ultimate fate of this ship; but there are no records. Grand-dad could have made big money in the early days as some of the parts of Dunedin went for a few shillings an acre. His people lived in Hamilton, Scotland; but I have not been able to find out much about them as Grand-dad was reticent in many respects. He was 93 when he died. His wife died about 11 years before he did. She was a fine little Irish woman, being a Collins from Limerick. Her father, my great-grandfather, was quite well-known there and I have seen the old copy of the Limerick paper containing his obituary notice. One of my grandmother's sisters was Mother Superior of a convent in Australia. My mother (Dunedin), Aunty Ruby (Wellington) and Uncle Tom (Dunedin) are those who remain of Uncle Bill's brothers and sisters. Uncle Jack died in Wellington, as did Aunty Ida and Aunty Laura. Aunty Agnes died in Dunedin. On my father's side, the family is entirely Scots. All from Edinburgh. These few notes about the family may contain some facts which are new to you. I sincerely trust that you and your family are well. I would like to see some pictures of them if you have any to spare. I trust to hear from you some time and I would also like to hear from my cousin in the Army. Yours, Carlson E Holmes.
3. Title:   Wild Wings Book - Excert fom passeger log - Lady Edigia
4. Title:   Otago Witness
5. Title:   Voyage of Lady Edigia - Glasgow to Tasmania
6. Title:   Karori cemetary, Wellington, NZ. Burial records

Notes
a. Note:   by Potter Wilson & Co., of Glasgow, of the large vessel on stocks in Messrs. Barr & Shearers ship-building yard here. Since the purchase workmen have been preparing her for the launch which was looked forward to with great interest, both on account of the size of the vessel and from the length of time which has elapsed since a like event took place in this locality.

 It came off on Wednesday last under circumstances which will long be remembered. The day was remarkably fine. From an early hour the harbour presented a gay scene with flags of all nations floating from ships and buildings, and as the hour approached every available spot which commanded a view was crowded. No fairer sight was ever witnessed at any previous launch, and we believe at no former period was the anxiety so general that Messrs. Barr & Shearer's usual good fortune should attend them on this occasion.

 On a platform, raised near the dry-dock, was the Earl and Countess of Eglinton, Lady Egidia Montgomerie, and party from the castle, Colonel and Mrs Wylie, Miss Moffat and party, John Moffat Esq., W.B. Huggins Esq., Dr. Robertson, G. Thomson Esq., Misses Houston, Rev. M. Rorison, Mrs Rorison, Misses Buchanan, and a large number of strangers. Whilst in the several groups in the yard, but especially on the vacant space between the pig iron and the edge of the dock on the opposite side, were mingled together all classes drawn together from Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan.

 At about 3 o'clock, expectancy is at its height as heavy hammer and mallet wielded by strong arms drive in the wedges which are to relieve the props which fasten the vessel still to the ground.

 These are at length removed and:

 There she stands

 With her foot upon the sands.

 Decked with flags and streamers gay

 In honour of her marriage day.

 Her snow white signals fluttering blending

 Round her like a veil descending

 Ready to be bride of the gray old sea.

 At this moment, Lady Egidia, accompanied by her noble father, The Earl of Eglinton, by the members of the firm and by the owners stepped forward and, having broken the bottle upon her bow, the noble vessel slowly, majestically, and without a pause, slid into the embrace of the old ocean, amidst the once again and again congratulatory shouts of friends.

 Lo from the assembled crowd

 There rose a shout prolonged and loud

 That to the ocean seemed to say

 Take her O bridegroom, old and gray'

 Take her to thy protecting arms

 With all her youth and all her charms.

 The "Egidia" is one of the largest, if not the largest wooden vessels ever built in Scotland. Her model was the General theme of admiration, and we believe the timber of which she is built is the finest that could be procured. She measures 219 1/2 feet long, extreme breadth 37 1/3 feet, depth 22 1/2 feet , registered tonnage 1,235, builders measurements 1,461 tons.

 She has a well executed female figure at the bow, and at the stern there is a figure of Mercury and two female figures representing commerce. the ornamental carving at both the bow and stern is very tastefully designed.

 She goes immediately into dry-dock to be coppered and finished, and no expense will be spared in fitting her out in a style in keeping with the superior build of the vessel.

 She is advertised to sail for Otago on 10th October, and we do not exaggerate when we say that no finer or better built vessel ever sailed for the Australian sea.

 The vessels name "Lady Egidia" is that of a daughter of a noble Scottish House, the Montgomeries of Eglinton Castle. The name Egidia has been traced back more than 600 years. It has been bestowed on female members of the family and its branches right up to the present day.

 The historical committee thanks most sincerely Miss Winifred Montgomerie of Wanganui, who so kindly and willingly offered her assistance, together with the use of several booklets and photographs as well as the chart showing the derivation of the name Egidia.

 EMBARKATION SCOTLAND--------1860

 And the news spread from town to village that a large boat was building at Greenock to sail to that far away land of promise, New Zealand.

 As the launching day approached, men, women and families arrived from Edinburgh, Perth, Aberdeen, Ullapool, even from Kirkwall in the Orkneys, and from Northern Ireland.

 In all, 438 passengers boarded the s.s. "Lady Egidia" on that eventful day when flags flew and hundreds of spectators watched, including a party from "The Castle" headed by the Earl and Countess of Eglinton and their daughter, Lady Egidia Montgomerie.

 Among the 58 married couples--137 men and 70 women--their occupations were given as 40 labourers, 31 ploughmen , 22 carpenters, 17 shepherds and 50 domestics.

 And so they set sail in this "big" boat of 1,235 tons, 219 feet long, and the voyage of 104 days began.

 The "Lady Egidia" sailed from the tail of the bank at Greenock, 12th October 1860, on her voyage to Otago.

 Previous to the ship being cleared, the passengers were addressed by the Rev. Dr. Bonar, Edinburgh, and Mr Thomas Birch, an Otago Colonist, in a very impressive manner. She has a long passenger list besides a large and valuable cargo. She is considered one of the finest ships in the Clyde.

 A LETTER FOR HOME

 Extracts from a letter written home by Miss Margaret King, aged 19, who travelled on the "Lady Egidia" in the care of the Captain. This gives the account of the voyage from the point of view of a young lady travelling in the first class cabin. Miss King was married shortly after her arrival as per the notice below. "At Woodhead, home of W.H. Reynolds on the *th February by the Rev. Dr Burns, Rev. William Johnston M.A. of Port Chalmers , to Margaret, only surviving daughter of the late Robert King , Aberdeen."

 First two or three days after we sailed were passed in bed as you will have supposed, a truly delightful start. I was determined to be up next day, and I think Miss McCallum and I did get up in a hurry next morning for as we were *ying ***** exploring the awfully tough************* motion, a wave dashed in our stern. window and filled our room with water. Miss McCallum and I took refuge in the saloon in our nightdresses and were soon supplied with blankets and plaid by the gentlemen who all came out of their rooms to see what was to do.

 Captain Curry wandered about all morning in his nightgown and kilt with his bare legs and feet. If you had seen the breakfast and dinner table ! The captain took both of these meals squatted on the floor. It was the heaviest gale he had been out in for a long time.

  

 MONDAY, 29th OCTOBER:

  

 First really warm day, quite a change in the men's head-dress. Captain, too, has got a linen coat. Captain Curry ( who by the way is not the original one to have gone with the ship, the appointed one having died) is very much pleased with the ship and tells us when a storm comes.

 *************go to sleep for there is no fear of her. One of the young gentlemen is fond of fishing but is ****** and some of the others often get up a false alarm to bring him on deck with his harpoon. He is a grandson of an Admiral. He and Mr H. ************. Service yesterday at 1030 at the poop. Captain gave Miss Smith, Miss Grigor and I the sermon book, and we selected the sermon, a beautiful one by Dr. Guthrie. A young lady of the intermediate led the singing and the poop was crowded.

  

 NOVEMBER 1st:

  

 the Intermediate passengers had a great blow-out last night being Halloween. Three of our young gentlemen ******** to attend it.

  

 NOVEMBER 5th:

  

 Wet afternoon so we are all confined below which is a great hardship. Yesterday had a service in Gaelic which reminded me a good deal of German. Singing was fair though not at all like our tunes.

 Some of the Gaelic women take peculiar turns of ****ness, the principal symptoms being that they won't speak to anyone. I managed to take a preserved egg for breakfast, which is more than I generally do. The tea is horrid. I take water. I was going to say cold, but we have nothing but warm on board. The dishes at breakfast are rather extraordinary. There was the heart, etc., of a sheep done up like a steak with as much onions as would press in- fish with butter sauce- hash of meat- preserved eggs and mashed potatoes: and for bread, hot rolls, also flour loaf, oatcakes and ships biscuits. The loaf and cakes would be very good, but the steward puts them in the sideboard while they are hot and they gather the taste of it. We had preserved milk when we first came on board, horrible stuff, a cow is a great want. Our cook is a Frenchman. Miss McCallum made her first appearance at table tonight. Progress very slow. The Captain is very dour upon the subject. He doesn't expect to make the passage in less than 110 days.

 Our cabin floor is undergoing the process of lady stoning, generally called sailors develling (*?*)

 The rifle corps met today to select their subaltern officers. Stoddart is Lieutenant and James Dundas is Ensign. About 50 men enrolled to drill an hour each day on the poop. Captain McCallum amuse me greatly, he is so consequential.

 We have been becalmed, or next to it, for about a week, and we are heartily tired of it. We had each a plate of porridge at 7.30 this morning , not having milk, butter or treacle was substituted. Coffee has now been added for breakfast though minus milk. Several dolphins were seen yesterday, the phosphoresce in the ship's wake was very brilliant. The "EGIDIA Journal" made it's first appearance on Tuesday November 13th.

 Just passed a homeward bound ship. We signalled her, so that I hope that in about 5 weeks you will hear that we were seen. Wind was too strong, else the Captain would have sent letters on board her. The second edition of the "Journal" should have appeared but for the slight reason that not one contribution was sent in the editor did not issue it.

 About 7.30 last evening the Captain was sitting with us in the saloon when we all felt a strange tremulous motion, and he ran up on deck to see that all was well, but found nothing wrong, so he thinks it must have been an earthquake. It lasted for about 5 minutes-----he experienced one in our present position before. Yesterday morning we had fried shark for breakfast. Mr Stoddart was in raptures with it , although it was not of his own catching. He gave it up in despair, when the Doctor took the line and brought it on deck. An ugly brute it was, but a small one. There were several small fish sticking to it. Have gone 20 miles in 3 days....encouraging?

 During the ceremony of Crossing the Line and after the shaving the poor victims were plunged into a sail full of water in which it was the Bears' *** to hold them down and otherwise torment them. I was very anxious to see James, one of the filthiest men you ever saw and nicknamed "Ducks" because his office is to feed the poultry , plunged into the water, but the Bears wouldn't allow the water to be polluted. This is a teetotal ship, but at such a time the passengers were allowed to treat them , but were restricted to 6 bottles. There are 45 sailors.

 I have very little to say, as every day is passed very like another, but on the whole I enjoy myself.

 Mr Stoddart sat the whole day at the stern trying to catch an albatross. No sooner than he had come down to tea than a large gull was caught with his line. Then in the evening he was at it again when a shark took hold of his bait, only as soon as he began to pull it , it was off. A child of 2 years died yesterday of measles , 70 or 80 altogether have had it, grown up people and all. Whooping cough is also raging.

 Had another bath on Sunday morning before I got out of bed. My port window was shut but not screwed, and a sea opened it and washed all over me---- I was dripping and so was my bed and, the day being wet, it couldn't be on deck to dry, but the steward made me a bed before night. I believe he took some of the Captain's for the purpose.

 On December 13th we saw a whale ship quite close to us- she had several boats lowered. Captain is so disgusted at our progress that he did not calculate our position today. I began to relish the food better now --for about a month in the tropics we had fowls everyday at the Captain's end of the table--all the rest were salt or preserved , and we got so tired of them we were afraid for the covers being lifted: but since the cold weather , a pig and a sheep have been killed . I heard though that the pig was rather poorly before it was killed, which does not heighten my relish for it.

 We are going about 4 or 5 knots only, we are thankful for even that. It is 70 days since I came on board---where is the fine quick passage we were to make, I wonder?

  

 CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25TH:

  

 I wish you both a Merry Xmas and Many More Returns. We had two fine rich plum-duffs today for dinner. Fruit for dessert and wine. It has been a happy Xmas Day, and cold enough for a home one. Expect to get to the end of our voyage in 4 or 5 weeks now. Some are wearying very much for it . It won't be the Captain's fault at any rate that we have been so long, as he is well up in his profession and a very nice person too, and so anxious to make us comfortable as possible. He is especially attentive to his lady passengers. One steward is an Englishman, a regular sharp fellow, and thinks he knows everything better than every other person.. He had one of the apprentice boys as cabin boy, but he growled so fearfully at the little fellow that he petitioned to get away and work with the sailors.

 Since yesterday we have had a regular gale as high as the one in the Channel, but the sea is with us. Between Saturday and Sunday we went about 280 miles, and have done well today, if not better. All this is very nice, but then we have to pay for it-----the water comes washing into my port window and down into my bed. On Saturday night Miss McCallum was catching it in her basin as it rushed from my bed into hers. I comes in our stern window, although the dead light is down.

 The steward announced that our new sail boom that was put up yesterday has just gone. He is in a state of high delight, as he is an Englishman and has a profound contempt for everything Scotch. It is such fun hearing him growling at Potter Wilson and Co. Between Friday 27th December and today Friday January 4th we made 1,980 miles.

 One child buried today, it was the third the parents lost since the beginning of the week.

 We are calculating that 16 more days will bring us to Port Chalmers, and much need too, for the stove for cooking the steerage passengers' food has broken down, and how to get it remedied is a question.

 Saw the eclipse of the sun today---Lat 50oS.,Long. 123oE. There is great speculation on what day we land . Seven of the young gentlemen have each put 2/6 into a lottery with tickets bearing the name of the chosen day- 7 in all, and whoever wins is expected to treat the rest with the 17/6 won. I have quite made up my mind to drink tea on shore Wednesday week. We could be there in a week but I am allowing 3 days for a head wind.

 The volunteers had a great meeting the other day at which they elected N.C.O's. It is rumoured they are to march up to Dunedin in a body.

  

 FRIDAY, JANUARY 21st

 <span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">:</span></span></span>

 Here we are within two or three days of Otago. We are beginning to think of preparing for landing. Indeed the ship is undergoing a great preparatory cleaning process. I am rather afraid of a row when we land between the steerage passengers and the Doctor and the Captain. there may be faults on both sides, but I decidedly think the people are very unreasonable.

 &nbsp;

 MONDAY, JANUARY 21st;

 &nbsp;

 All up before daybreak, between 3 and 4 a.m., to get the first look at the land, and sure enough we saw it--the southern point of Stewart Island -- rugged and picturesque. There is a great state of excitement. We thought we should have been able to land tomorrow, but about 12 o'clock it fell calm. Just now we see Stewart Island, also part of Middle Island. It is a beautiful covering, and we can see clearly smoke rising from the land . passed a small sloop of war today, but did not signal her . Two more children dead. They are both one family --isn't it sad, and we are so near land.

 I am impatient to get ashore to get letters, for I expect there will be some awaiting me, but November mail will not be due yet. Some say the mail leaves New Zealand for Australia on the 20th: if so this letter will have to lie a month.

 The calm lasted until 12 noon yesterday when a N.E. wind sprang up, and we have nothing for it but to tack back and fore, in which delightful occupation we are still engaged. A dead sheep floated past us this afternoon. This was the day I had fixed for drinking tea onshore.

 Another account of arriving at Dunedin (author unknown)

 Ninety seventh day, Friday, January 18th:

 Fine morning- going beautifully---we have caught an Australian hot wind which is very strong. Captain thinks we will anchor about beginning of the week--all quite excited now. "CAT" says- she and Maggie have been packing today on the sly. We got orders not to do so until the Pilot came on board, for if we did we are more sure of a head wind , but we risked it. "MD" says--we are getting our cabin scrubbed out and the sailors are busy with the poop--confusion out and in today--they wish to make her look quite smart when we land.

 &nbsp;

 Ninety-eighth day, Saturday, January 19th:

 &nbsp;

 Long. 161o 0'E. Beautiful day and quite a pleasure to be at sea, especially so near to landing. All in good spirits--preparations being made for landing--sighted 3 vessels this morning, one homeward and two outward bound--expect to see land in a day or two.

 &nbsp;

 Ninety-ninth day, Sunday, January 20th;

 &nbsp;

 Long. 165oE. Beautiful morning but progress slow. No sermon today although this is expected to be our last Sabbath aboard. A good many on look-out for land, but all disappointed.

 &nbsp;

 One Hundredth Day, Monday, January 21st:

 &nbsp;

 At 3 a.m. a cry of "Land Oh" "MD" says first thing we heard this morning was a knocking above our heads to get up and see land. The people were all running to and fro in an excited state. It was Stewart Island--not over 2 1/2 mile away. We came along the coast for 30 miles or so when we were in sight of our destined province Otago, and the land we were making for. "TW" says it was really very joyful and pleasing to stand and look at the beautiful but rugged land after being so long at sea. We ran round the coast of it, passing between an island called the Trap and Stewart Island. "JM" says--we have not been going more than 2 knots since noon. We are lying in the mouth of the Foxeaux Strait and can see land on both sides. Sun very hot-- another birth this morning, the 7th but also 32 deaths to date. A man-o-war was seen close to Stewart Island.

 &nbsp;

 One Hundred &amp; First Day, Tuesday, January 22nd:

 &nbsp;

 Beautiful morning--still becalmed-- rather teasing after being so near landing. Signalled a vessel named "Armin" bound for Melbourne. A breeze sprang up about 2 p.m., but was a head wind. We had to tack out to see for 40 miles, turned and gained 17 miles by that. Tacked again at 8 p.m., intending to run for 80 miles, so we will not sight land again until tomorrow, as we will stand out at see all night. Reckoned to have made 20 miles by that tack. Had the wind been favourable we would have anchored in 9 hours.

 The tug "Geelong" which towed the "Lady Egidia" into Port Chalmers Anchorage, and later took the passengers to Dunedin Jetty was a paddle steamer of 108 tons. Her skipper was the Harbour Master, Captain William Thomson.

 &nbsp;

 One Hundred &amp; Second Day, Wednesday, January 23rd;

 &nbsp;

 Dull morning--cloud built up during the day. Sighted land at 10 a.m., but the wind has fallen, although contrary all day--some thought the land was Cape Saunders, but the Captain made it out as Nugget Point. Tacked again all night.

 &nbsp;

 One Hundred &amp; Third Day, Thursday, January 24th:

 &nbsp;

 Sighted land about 7 a.m.. Hove the lead 3 times--first no bottom at 50 fathoms--second found it at 50 fathoms, and third at 45 fathoms. Ship put about shortly after--were too far south to gain the Heads--tacked at 10a.m. and again at 2 p.m., and kept at sea all night.A breeze off the land is the cause of it.

 &nbsp;

 One Hundred &amp; Fourth Day, Friday, January 25th:

 &nbsp;

 Gained sight of land again, but not far enough North to make the Heads. Tacked twice and got within half a mile of the Heads , but too late in the evening to get the pilot. Tacked out again--saw the signal light put up two rockets and a blue light about 9 p.m. to make them aware of our arrival.

 &nbsp;

 One Hundred &amp; Fifth Day, Saturday, January 26th:

 &nbsp;

 Beautiful day, but provoking to say we are almost becalmed about 16 miles off the Heads. The pilot came in search of us and came on board about 6 p.m.. Shortly afterwards a slight breeze sprang up and we got to the Heads and anchored outside the bar about 8 p.m.

 &nbsp;

 One Hundred &amp; Sixth Day, Sunday, January 27th:

 &nbsp;

 Still at anchor. Quite becalmed -- Fine day. Tug arrived this afternoon. had a few gentlemen come on board.

 &nbsp;

 One Hundred &amp; Seventh Day, Monday, January 28th:

 &nbsp;

 Weighed anchor at about 3 a.m. and were towed up to Port Chalmers , finally anchoring about 4 miles inside the Heads. A small drizzling rain came on and lasted a few hours. Inspected at 8 a.m. "MD" says - went up in a small steamer to Dunedin in the forenoon and planted foot on land once more about 1 o'clock . "CT" says -Inspected at 8 in the morning and got on shore at 12 noon, after being 104 days at sea. "MD" says- It was about 6 p.m. when we left the steamer "Geelong" and about 7 when we arrived at Dunedin Jetty.

 [The above three accounts of the landing at Dunedin are each a little different. perhaps the "Geelong" made more than one trip up the harbour, as 400 odd passengers and their luggage may have been more than enough for a single trip.]

 THE FIVE DAY WEEK

 A ship sailed from Britannia's shores

 Bound far across the sea

 Unto New Zealand's distant land,

 And many a soul bore she.

 The gallant ship ploughed proudly on

 With snow white wings upspread'

 She kissed the billows' crested tops

 While on her course she sped.

 The weeks rolled on in happy dreams

 With visions of the past,

 The youthful mind, sweet fancies, crown

 Of many a year to last.

 The gallant ship rode nobly on

 And reached her promised haven;

 They viewed their new adopted land

 And breathed their thanks to Heaven.

 'Twas Friday night they did arrive,

 Two rockets they did fire;

 To wake Otago was their aim

 And reach their cherished spire.

 The pilot duly came aboard,

 "'Tis Saturday ye well may ken!

 Why, nae one works sae late

 A yonder in the Toon."

 "The Sabbath too ye must all keep

 We mauna work lest they shall weep.

 I must away and leave her bide,

 A rolling in the deep tide."

 "The morrow we'll hae a tug

 And lug ye into port.

 Then later in that very day

 To Dunedin's captain ye'll all report."

 ..........ANON.

 THE PASSENGER LIST

 DUNEDIN

 SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 1861. The "Lady Egidia" anchored outside the Heads at 8.30 p.m.

 MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 1861. The "Lady Egidia", 1236 tons, Captain Curry, from Greenock, with immigrants and general cargo, was towed up to Port Chalmers by the "Geelong", and anchored at 5 a.m.

 UNASSISTED PASSENGERS:

 &nbsp;

 Cabins:

 &nbsp;

 Pringle F. Stoddart

 William E. Heriot

 Andrew Bald

 Duncan McCallum

 Miss McCallum

 Margaret King

 Donald MacAndrew

 Miss C. Smith

 Christina Grigor

 &nbsp;

 Intermediate:

 &nbsp;

 Jas. and Alex. Dundas

 Caroline Thompson

 Margaret Dick

 John Garratt, wife, two sons , one daughter

 Jas. Jeffrey

 Robert Gunion

 Thos. McLean

 Angus Cameron

 Kenneth Rose

 &nbsp;

 Steerage:

 &nbsp;

 J. McNaughton and wife

 Jane McNaughton

 Henrietta and Florence Dent

 John D. Johnstone

 David Wright, wife, two sons, three daughters

 George Dalgleish, wife and daughter

 Jas. H Bissett

 John Stewart

 Jane McColl

 Jas. Clark

 John Henderson

 George Turner

 John E. and Jane McGillveray

 Helen Affleck

 Alice Bain or Melrose

 Wm. Barron

 Jas. MacRae

 Charles Mc Lachlan

 Alex and Elizabeth Airken

 George H. Paterson

 Jas. France

 Jas. Burke

 Jas. T. Donaldson

 Alex Grant

 Mary and Thomas Reid

 Elizabeth Harvey

 William Tosh

 Jas. Geddes

 Jas. Porteous

 John Auld

 Thomas and Walter Brown

 Jas. Don

 Murdo McKenzie

 William and Jane Coupar

 Mrs. and Margaret Smeaton

 Jas. McColl

 John Campbell

 John and Jessie McFarlane

 Jas. Campbell

 &nbsp;

 ASSISTED PASSENGERS:

 &nbsp;

 Thos. Cullen

 John Duff

 Jas. Lester and wife

 Alex. Fraser

 Alex. McDonald

 Alex. and Betsy McGregor

 John and Mary Ross

 Kenneth McKenzie

 Rhoderick Finlayson

 Mary Ann and Oliver Robinson

 Lachlan Grant

 Elsie Grant

 Jean Paul or Gardiner

 Margaret, Robert, William, Andrew and Mary Paul

 Ann Shaw

 Samuel Campbell, wife, son and two daughters

 Alex. McLeod

 Daniel Roxburgh

 John Caldwell

 John and Janet Sinclair

 Roderick McRae

 Goerge McKay

 John Murdock, wife , 5 sons , 3 daughters

 Alex. Jamieson

 Daniel Campbell

 William Wilson, wife, 4 sons, 4 daughters

 Andrew Patton

 William Clark and wife

 John Adamson

 William and Isabella Thomson

 Malcolm Smith

 Thomas McLennan

 Ken. McLean

 Donald Campbell, wife, 2 sons, 1 daughter

 John Thomson

 Robt. McKinlay, wife and daughter

 Hugh Barclay

 Jane Harvey

 Alex Gardner, wife, son and daughter

 David Pinkerton and wife

 Janet, Helen, Thos. and John Fairley

 Ann McKenzie

 Isabella McPherson

 William Stewart

 Jas. Ross

 Ebenezer Gibb

 Chas. Smith

 Jas. Milne, wife, 2 sons and daughter

 Ewen McColl and wife

 Geo. C. Tait

 Wm. Gunn

 John Drummond

 Daniel Walker and wife

 David Auld, wife and daughter

 Malcolm McNicoll, wife son and daughter

 Robt. Easton and wife

 Allan Galt

 Jane, Allan and Jas. Galt

 Jas. Brown , wife, son and 2 daughters

 John William

 Jane and Ann Knox

 Thos. Brownlie

 John Story

 John Wilson

 Jas. Pettigrew and wife

 Jas. Russell, wife and 2 daughters

 John Young

 A. McLennan and wife

 John Cameron, wife and 2 sons

 Alex. Stewart, wife and son

 Robt. Cowan, wife, son and 4 daughters

 Henry Aitken

 Duncan McRae, wife 4 sons 3 daughters

 James, David, Margaret and William McNaughton

 Donald Robertson

 John Aitken and wife

 Jas. Imrie, wife, son and 2 daughters

 Charles Cloaston and wife

 Jas. Kelly

 Alex. Riach, wife and daughter

 George and Catherine Walker

 John Grant

 Nicol Booth and wife

 David Ross

 George Dutch wife and son

 Mary Grant or Justice and 2 daughters

 Alex Justice and wife

 Hugh, Martha, Mary, Catherine, James and Isabella McGregor

 Jas. Hewett and wife

 Helen and Marion Dillon

 Thomas Russell

 Mary Linson

 Mary Ann Diston

 Thos. McKerras

 William Meldrum

 Andrew Melville

 Sybella Lothian

 Mary Brown

 Peter Arthur

 Mary Arthur

 James, Margaret and Elizabeth Dawson

 Elizabeth Currie

 J. McLaren

 William McInnes and wife

 P. Manderson, wife and 4 sons

 K. McKenzie and wife

 B. Williamson

 Dan. McCorkindale, wife, son and 2 daughters

 F. E. Mitchell, wife, son and 3 daughters

 Catherine Fitzgerald

 J. McAuley

 Dan. McLeod

 Jane Reid

 Angus Shaw, wife, 3 sons

 Alex. Grant, wife and son

 Hugh McLennan

 Jane and Ronald McColl

 Mary McLeod

 John McLean and wife

 Daniel Cameron, wife and two sons

 Louisa Edwards

 William Turner

 Euphemia Douglas

 John Tinnock, wife, 2 sons , 3 daughters

 John **ister

 David Gardiner, wife , 2 sons , 3 daughters

 Thos. Kilkelly

 Eliza Muir

 Mrs S. N. Brown, son , 2 daughters

 John Baxter, wife 2 sons and daughter

 John Gray, wife and son

 John McLew

 George Murray, wife and son

 John Strachan, wife and son

 Jas. Melrose

 Fergus Shrimpton

 George Halliday

 Jemima Grant

 Hugh Reid and wife

 Robt. Reid

 Wm. Taylor

 John Gair

 H. Richardson, wife and daughter

 Wm. Mckay, wife and 2 sons

 Catherine Murray

 Charles and Bridget Ford

 C. H. and Sarah Paterson

 Isaac and Agnes Johnston

 Alex. Ross

 H. Allan

 Jas. Duncan, wife and son

 Robina c. Meyer

 William and Lilias Mckay

 William Cameron

 Donald Clark, son and daughter

 Thomas Tussel

 Mrs. Alex. Cameron

 John Hewett

 Thomas Young

 John Stow

 STATISTICAL DATA

 The occupations of the assisted immigrants are:

 17 shepherds

 31 ploughmen

 41 labourers

 22 carpenters

 2 blacksmiths

 3 tailors

 2 slaters

 13 masons

 6 quarrymen

 3 shoemakers

 1 plumber

 1 flesher

 1 plasterer

 1 millwright

 1 draper

 2 sawyers

 1 miller

 1 printer

 1 gardener

 50 domestic servants

 DEATHS ON THE VOYAGE OCCURRED AS FOLLOWS:

 November:

 10th : Duncan McColl, 15months , of diarrhoea

 16th : William Campbell, 20 months, of diarrhoea

 17th : Jas. Gibson, 3 1/2 yrs, of acute bronchitis

 17th : Mary Ann Dutch, 21 months, of rubeola

 21st : Mary Harvey, 10 months, of diarrhoea

 21st : Adam MacKay, 12 months, of diarrhoea

 21st : Christina Campbell, 12 months, of diarrhoea

 24th : Elizabeth Aitken, 21 months, of diarrhoea

 26th : Elizabeth Justice, 21 months, of diarrhoea

 December:

 10th : Margaret Mc Lean, 2years, of diarrhoea

 13th : Janet Easton, 15 months, of diarrhoea

 13th : John Leicester, 12 months, of diarrhoea

 13th : Celia McColl, 2 1/2 yrs, of diarrhoea

 15th : Robert McGregor, 3yrs, of diarrhoea

 17th : George Turner, 30 yrs, of chronic liver disease

 18th : James Muir, 5 months, of pneumonia

 21st : James Dutch, 4 1/4 months of pneumonia

 22nd : Jane Muir, 21 months, of diarrhoea

 27th : Mary Ann Hughes 2 1/4 years of diarrhoea

 28th : Jessie Grant, 6 years, of cyanche trachealis

 29th : James Brown, 24 years, of **hthis palmonalis

 30th : Jane Pettigrew, 2 1/4 years, of diarrhoea

 31st : Peter Grant, 1 1/2 years, of cyanche trachealis

 1861: January:

 1st : James Auld, 2 years, of diarrhoea

 1st : Margaret Pettigrew, 6 months, of pneumonia

 3rd : Jn. McNicol, 2 1/2 years of cyanche trachealis

 4th : Alex. Grant, 4 years, of abcess of neck

 12th: Mrs Easton's infant, 1 month, of bronchitis

 14th : John Clark, 1 1/2 years, of diarrhoea

 14th : Robert McGregor, 10 years, of debility after rubeola

 19th : Helen Strachan, 3 years, of diarrhoea

 20th : John Strachan, 1 year, of bronchitis

 &nbsp;

 BIRTHS ON THE VOYAGE OCCURRED AS FOLLOWS:

 &nbsp;

 November:

 9th : Mrs Gray, a son

 December:

 5th : Mrs McLean, a son

 11th : Mrs Auld, a daughter

 24th : Mrs Justice, a son

 27th : Mrs Easton, a daughter

 1861 January:

 10th : Mrs Cowan, a daughter

 20th : Mrs Dutch, a daughter.

 Editorial Comment Feb 1st 1861

 The "Lady Egidia", from Greenock, arrived at Otago on Sunday last after a passage of 104 days. She anchored about two miles of the Heads and was on the following morning towed up to Port Chalmers by the "Geelong".

 She is the largest vessel which has yet come to Otago, and was, e understand, drawing 18 feet when she came in. Her safe arrival at Port Chalmers without touching ground is a satisfactory repudiation of the assertion that the water in the harbour is becoming shallower. She belongs to Potter, Wilson &amp; Co., of Glasgow, the same firm to whom the "Bruce" and the "Cheviot" belong, and who have made offers in the Provincial Government to bring out immigrants on advantageous terms. The application has been referred to the home agents with a request that they will give Potter Wilson &amp; Co. preference over other tenderers, other matters being equal.

 The "Egidia" brings the largest number of passengers ever landed in Otago by one vessel, and

 gives an addition to our population of upwards of 400 souls. The "Egidia" experienced some unpleasant weather at starting, but we understand the voyage on the whole has been an agreeable one. Some complaints have been made of breaches of the Passenger Act, which will be enquired into. We believe they are not, however, serious charges, possibly they may be only the inconveniences indispensable from a long voyage with a number of passengers and will shortly be forgotten.

 The supply and provisions of water, as regards both quantity and quality, is favourably reported on by the passengers. We however regret to learn that there have been 32 deaths on board-the whole with the exception of two being children. The deaths of the two adults was to have been expected from the state of health in which they left the home country, but the loss of so many children we are persuaded must arise from want of proper care and attention on the part of the medical officer. There is nothing in the voyage to New Zealand, either in its length or the latitudes passed through, to make it destructive to children. Want of ventilation and a sufficiency of nourishing food is, we are certain in most cases, the cause of the deaths of the children.

 Medical comforts are usually most liberally supplied by the owners of the ships. In this case there appears to have been no exception to this rule. We can therefore only come to the conclusion that due care has not been used. we have again and again urged upon the agents the necessity of being careful in the selection of the medical officer in charge, as upon him depends to a great extent the comfort and safety of the voyage.

 Further Extract from Local Paper

 On Monday afternoon the "Geelong" brought up the passengers to Dunedin. The jetty was crowded by the inhabitants of the city who came down in numbers to welcome friends and catch a peep at the new arrivals who, judging from the loaded deck of the "Geelong" were glad enough to be at their journey's end. The male immigrants, with a few exceptions, appeared to be hale, strong, hearty fellows who will be an acquisition to our community. They were all quickly housed in the immigration barracks, which affords ample accommodation.

 The demand for the services of the new arrivals was as usual considerable, and numbers have already found permanent sitiuations. The young men and female servants have no difficulty in this matter--the married people with large families are not so readily absorbed, but temporary work is provided for all.. We understand that some of the young men have refused offers of &pound;50 per annum with rations. We have no wish to interfere with their making the best bargain they can but we must advise them that permanent situations at such rates are far better than the apparently high rate of 7/- per diem for day labour, when the expense of board and lodging in the town and the loss of time from broken weather is taken into consideration.

 No doubt-- the "Egidia" having arrived just at the commencement of the harvest-- there is a great demand for the services of able-bodied men who understand farm work; but all immigrants should look to permanent situations in the country as the thing most desirable for them

 The Government at the present time is employing a large number of hands on public works, and of course is taking advantage of fine weather to finish road making as fast as possible before the winter sets in. The Government expenditure for some time has been at a rate of &pound;10,000 per month-- this rate will however not be maintained, and therefore it is prudent for those who have the offer of permanent situations to take them. With these few words of practical advice, we have to give those who have become our fellow colonists a hearty welcome to Otago, and to express the wish that they may prosper in the land of their adoption.

 ADVERTISEMENTS IN LOCAL PAPERS, FEBRUARY, 1861

 For Bombay

 "Lady Egidia", 1238 tons, will sail about 12 Feb, for Bomabay

 Has very superior accommodation for passengers.

 Dalgety, Rattray &amp; Co., Agents.

 ---------------

 Robert MacKay: Tailor and Clothier

 Princes Street

 to arrive per "Lady Egidia"

 large stock of hats and caps to be sold wholesale and retail.

 -----------------

 Sale by Auction

 Flour, tea, groceries etc.,

 Friday 8th February, ex "Lady Egidia"

 James Paterson &amp; Co.

 100 barrels American flour, 20 barrels pearl barley, 4 chests finest Ceylon tea, 5 h/hds. Campbelltown whisky, 4 quarter casks pale brandy, 2 h/hds. dark brandy, 2 h/hds. port wine , 10 crates earthenware of first class quality and for unreserved sale.

 Ex "Lady Egidia"

 A splendid asssortment of Drapery, glass, stoneware, toys, etc.

 A.R. Logan : Princes St.

 -------------------

 Just Landing ex "Lady Egidia"

 100 barrels American flour, 20 barrels pearl barley, 2 cases saddlery, 10 cases ling fish, 6 best iron ploughs, 81 packages cordage, yarn and oakum, 150 bags salt, 15 casks soda crystals, 2 h/hds fine whisky, 8 casks refined sugar, 4 chests fine tea, 10 boxes Tennant's pale soap.

 Jas. Paterson &amp; Co

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 TheShipsList

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 Last updated: January 21, 2005 and maintained by <span style="text-decoration: underline;">S. Swiggum &lt;mailto:[email protected]&gt;</span> and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">M. Kohli &lt;mailto:[email protected]&gt;</span>
  <p style="text-align: left;" dir="ltr">&nbsp;

 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">&nbsp;</span>

Note:  
 LAUNCHING OF THE LADY EGIDIA

 Thanks to Barbara Armstrong for transcribing this information.

 The <em>Ardrossan Herald</em> of Saturday, September 8, 1860 announced the purchase lately


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