EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF THE LABOURING CLASSES.
[Image of page 38]
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF THE LABOURING CLASSES.
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF THE LABOURING CLASSES.
New Plymouth, New Zealand,
June 21st, 1841.
DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,
New Plymouth is situated on a rising eminence between two hills, and commands a full view of the sea; but the worst fault is, there is no harbour for vessels. As for the sort of country it is, the climate is far superior to that of England; the land is well wooded and watered, but rather mountainous in some parts; but wherever the sea reaches, the shrubs and trees are beautiful; the soil is very deep and free, so that you can almost turn it up with your fingers; there is no kind of reptiles here whatever; but plenty of dogs, rats, pigeons, and wild ducks. There is a mountain about thirty miles inland, called Mount Egmont, whose summit is always covered with snow; it is 9,000 feet above the level of the sea, and sometimes has a magnificent appearance. The natives are a fine race of people, the men being very tall, but the women shorter, and would be very good looking if they were not tattooed so much; they are very gentle in their manners; but when once roused, they are unmanageable, and never forget an insult once offered them. Their dress consists of a rug or blanket,
[Image of page 39]
thrown loosely round them; they are also very lazy, not doing any kind of work. Their food is principally potatoes, pumpions, and crackers,--a sort of nut resembling our beechnuts; they are also very fond of anything showy, but set a great value upon a blanket. We have had one excursion among them: there were four of us taken from our work by Mr. Carrington, to go with him surveying,--it was Ned, myself, and two others; we went about seventeen or eighteen miles, to a place called the Waitera; it was where the town was first intended to have been. We slept at night with the natives in their huts, sometimes two or three hundred around us all the night; we were wanting about a fortnight when our own provisions was done; we lived with them on fish, ducks, and potatoes. All the others were very much exasperated at our being chosen to go with the surveyors; but we don't mind that. I have been working all the time with the rest of the labourers, cutting roads, at 5s. per day; but now the shop is just finished, and I expect to go into work in about a week, when I shall be more comfortable. The wages for carpenters, 7s. 6d. per day; hours the same. The hours are from eight in the morning to four in the afternoon;--stop an hour at dinner.
Your dutiful and affectionate Son,
PETER F. HOSKIN.
New Plymouth, New Zealand,
Nov. 13th, 1841.
DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,
I now write about the wages; that is, carpenters, 7s. 6d. per day; blacksmiths, 7s. 6d. to 8s. per day; also the labouring men get 5s. per day, and the hours
[Image of page 40]
are from half past seven in the morning until half past four, for the Company; but the men that are thinking of leaving the Company, they are looking out for more wages; but as for myself, I work for the Company; for we are six smiths in New Plymouth, and the other five are in the bush to work, getting 5s. per day, and I am getting 7s. 6d. to 8s. a-day. Also the price of pork 7 1/2d.lb.; flour, 4d.; butter, 1s. 6d.; sugar, 10d.; figs, 10d.; tea, 7s.; coffee, and we can get board and lodging from 10s. to 12s. per week. Do write to me every opportunity, and let me know how you are getting on, also my brothers and sisters; and tell them, I hope that whenever I return to old England, I hope I shall find them doing well; my dear brothers and sisters, be sure and keep good company, and mind yourself. I shall always be glad to hear from you. I wish I could once a-week. I must be contented as it is; but do send so often as you can, and always be good to your father and mother, and they will be a friend to you. I little thought that ever I should leave my native land; but I hope and trust it is all for the best; for now I have got a house of my own given to us for two years, (the William Bryan emigrants,) and garden, which stands on twenty yards of ground. My house is sixteen feet broad, and twenty-four feet long; that is large enough for my two brothers and myself; but when we came to New Zealand first, we made our bed on fern; but when the Amelia Thompson came, we had got up houses for them; but the rent that we make of them is from 6s. to 8s., and from that to 10s. a-week. Please to tell Mrs. Woodley that I am a teetotaller again, and I find it is the best; for the spirits in New Zealand is killing the men;--and upon my last letter I wrote you the account of the country: it is very fine
[Image of page 41]
land; but the farmers will be obliged to pay out a great deal for clearing it before they will gain anything by their farms. There is nothing particular more to say at present, but remain,
Your affectionate Son,
PETER F. HOSKIN.
New Plymouth, Taranake,
31st October, 1841.
New Zealand.
DEAR FRIENDS,
It is with great pleasure that we can inform you of our having arrived here safe, after ploughing the ocean for 20,000 miles, having had to contend with contrary winds, in consequence of which, we have travelled 4,000 more than the direct course; however, thank God we are at our destination at last, after a long and tedious voyage of 163 days from the time we left Plymouth Sound. Labourers get 5s. per day, mechanics 7s. 6d.; household servants 20l. a-year. Of course, the necessary articles of apparel are clear, but let me remind you, that every one, almost, has saved something, that came out in the last ship, and they are all quite independent. Edwin has sold a house which he built, to Mr. Veale for £15. They, the last ship, had all spots of land for two years. I never, thank God, was so happy and comfortable in my life. We are situated in almost a shrubbery, with a stream winding its way round our garden; and although it's in the winter, we can sit in the open air in the evening and enjoy domestic happiness. The natives are now a very inoffensive race; no signs of cannibalism shown to the European; but I have no doubt they retain their savage and
[Image of page 42]
barbarous practices towards each other when engaged in war. They are very indolent, but very crafty; full six feet and upwards in height, but one Pakeha, or European will beat two of them; notwithstanding, they are strong for the first round; we must not strike them in the face, only about the body, for then they would demand payment, and we should be pestered with hundreds of them daily. With our united love to all brothers, sisters, relations, friends, and every one; hoping in God that this will find you and every one in perfect health, is the prayer of ever affectionately yours
JOHN AND GRACE MEDLAND.
Holsworthy, New Plymouth,
Taranake, New Zealand,
Nov. 14th, 1842.
MY DEAR FATHER, BROTHERS, AND SISTERS,
I am happy to sit down to inform you of my safe arrival at this beautiful country. We had a most pleasant voyage before we came in sight of this land. We made sight of it on the 27th of July, and made Cloudy Bay on the 31st, and Port Nicholson on the 2nd of August, and staid there until the 13th, and from that went to Port Underwood, where we took in ballast for the ship, and made this place on the 3rd of September. Dear father, this is a beautiful country, I should say one of the finest in the world. I do not think that England was ever so good for cultivation as this. I have seen earth on the cliffs twelve or fifteen feet deep, and the depth in the country is not yet found out; the soil is black; no rocks or stones have yet been found in the land. The potatoes which I brought out with me are growing
[Image of page 43]
well, and all the garden seeds. There is wheat and barley growing well, and Indian corn; there is fine timber growing, and white and red pine; the red pine is very much like cedar, and the white like the American, but much better; the strongest wood we call the towa, something like the English ash. The timber is fine, but not as fine as it is about thirteen miles down the West.
Our harbour is very bad: that is all against this place, for the land is what the natives call the Garden of New Zealand. The land is leveller than any I have seen; we have some beautiful hills and valleys, and plenty of water. I have seen the south and a great part of this north island, but there is no part so well and so good as this. You may see the grass and trees growing on the cliffs in this country. Trees as large round as a man's waist. I am happy that I left home. I would not live in England again if you would give 30l. a-year and find everything. You told me before I left, I was going into a country of cannibals. But I can tell you, I would rather live with the natives than with a great many of the English, for they are quite honest and trustworthy; it is but few that will steal any thing from any one. Their language is easy to be learnt; they very often sleep at one house three or four of a night. They like me very much; they know me for miles, and come to see me, although I have been here so short a time; they are fond of blankets, combs, scissors, knives, needles, their and our clothing; they like shirts very much, they wear guernsey shirts and blankets, or some of the mats of their own making, one of which I shall send you home as soon as it is made for me; one of the natives is making of it; they make it of flax, and have some sort of wood which they dye it with. This is our
[Image of page 44]
spring, the winter is but short. We are near Mount Egmont; it is covered with snow, and is about 9,000 feet from the level of the sea, and about twenty-five miles from us. Wages is 7s. 6d. for the Company for the day, and 8s. for others: now the work for labour men have 5s. a day; servant girls get from 25l. to 30l. a-year. I think Grace and Mary were foolish not to have come with me, for there is not a good servant to be got. I am sure if they were here they would get 30l. a-year. Flour is 4d. per lb. fresh pork 6 1/2d. to 7d., salt do. and beef 7 1/2d. per lb.; tea 5s., coffee 2s., soap and other things is just as you get it. I am living in lodgings the best in the place. I have one good room to myself, and they find me meat, drink and room for 12s. a week; women that go out to washing get 2s. 6d. to 3s. a day and their meat; dress makers from 5s. to 5s. 6d. for cotton gowns, and 8 . for silk. You talk about people coming out here to be transported; but let me tell you we are not so much so as you are, for here we speak our own words, but you cannot, for you are afraid of the gentlemen; as for them they are obliged to come under us instead of us coming under them. The labouring class is as well off here as the nobs are at home. I am thinking of going to Sydney by the first vessel to buy the things to make blacking, and also to get an agent to sell for me; I think it will be a good thing. A person has a little chance to do something in this part of the world, and that is more than you can do at home. I cannot tell how you young people can stay at home, for they may work hard all their life time, and at last be starved almost, for the money is in the hands of the great, and they will keep it; but here the money must come out, or else the great cannot live. I think I shall have some cloth, I have sent after
[Image of page 45]
some: I have bought some already; a man will do well if he will keep himself sober, but if he drinks all is over with him; spirits is just as it is at home. Beer is 1s. 6d. a quart. I wish brother Henry was here; if he was, he would do well, as he has been always with cattle. We expect a ship laden with bullocks and sheep and horses from Sydney every day: at least he would get from the Company 1l. 10s. a-week, to work in the bush, and he would be found meat for 10s. a-week, so that he would be making 1l. a-week, and at home he can get but 6l. or 7l. the year with his meat. I think if he and one or two of my sisters would come out, it would be the best thing they can do. I am sending you the truth; I would not send a lie if I did know it. I shall never expect you, for the family is young, and it is a deal of trouble to take a family at sea; only I wish you was here. We have plenty of fish, both salt and fresh water; the fresh water fish is not as the English, but something like a trout, and eels; we have not any soles here as yet, but there is some in this island, and lime stones: there is not any thing like venomous reptiles; there is the little harmless lizard, that is all. We have plenty of dogs, some of the natives and some of the English. We had seven deaths on the voyage, two women and five children; and our women turned out like bricks, for we had seven births to keep the number up. We spoke to six vessels on the voyage, three bound to Sydney with emigrants. When I came here I found all my friends well, except poor Bailey; he is dead; he died about ten months before I came. Edwin Woodland built a house against we came out, for John and Grace to live in; but as it is some way from Captain King, he has taken a house the next to Captain King, but Edwin has sold his
[Image of page 46]
house to Mr. Veal. Peter Hoskin is building one; all the other young men have houses, as well as all married. They have been very busy since they have been here; they have built two boats, one very large; it takes nine men to man that boat, and five the other: one bridge is built across a fine river close to the sea: they have cut many roads. I cannot think of more news to tell you, only that I have plenty of work. Dear father, give my love to brothers and sisters, and should they be living away, send and let them know that you have heard from me: I often think about you. Give my love to all uncles and aunts, and Mary Ann Shepherd, Thomas Brown and family, and tell him I will write to him as I promised, and also Uncle Abraham and Uncle Forster. Give my love to all my young friends. Tell Mr. Brown I am not come to a country of cannibals. Our place lies between the Bay of Islands and Port Nicholson. Dear father, give my love to all. Your affectionate son,
JOHN SHEPHERD.
New Plymouth, Nov. 14th.
DEAR FRIENDS AND SHOPMATES,
According to promise I have written you a few lines, hoping it will find you, your wives and families, relations and friends, all in good health, as it leaves us at present, thank the Lord for it. After six months' voyage we have arrived at the place of our destination. We found Peter, Ned, N. Reed, and all the emigrants quite well. We was sent on shore Sept. 5th. Peter had engaged a house for me and Arthur, so that we are quite comfortable to what a great many were.
[Image of page 47]
We had the best treat that evening for supper, that I ever had in my life; there was plenty of roast pork, potatoes and greens, and soft bread, and we did not forget to sign our names to it, after eating salt junk so long. I thought at one time we should never reach our destination.
With regard to the country, I think no one can dislike it. Labour here comes very high, labouring men work for the Company, and earn 5s. a day; go to work at half-past seven, and leave off at four o'clock; therefore, the men will not leave the Company without extra wages. My brother Peter is working for the Company, and earns 7s. 6d. a day in the same quantity of hours. With regard to my own trade, it will be a good opening for me; no doubt you will be surprised when you see the price of men's high shoes, 1l. 4s.; women's shoes 10s. 6d. per pair; children's in proportion. There is no one here but myself to speak of; there was one that went out in the William Bryan, but he had worked up all his leather when we came out. I have bought all that I took out for Capt. King, you will be kind enough to tell them so. I can put my hand on more money already than I could in England, for when I left Plymouth Sound we had but 1s. 6d., but on the voyage I earned more than seven pounds; that I think was not bad. Soon after we landed I bought a pig to salt in, before the hot weather set in; it cost 6 1/2d. per pound, it was 125 pounds. The Natives are very civil indeed; they are much better than I expected, but we have to thank the missionaries for it; the preacher's name is Creed; he is a very good man; I never hear him preach, but what I think of John Hoskin, I think we shall have no reason to regret leaving England; after a little time I expect to be
[Image of page 48]
more comfortable, and should now, if Elizabeth was more reconciled about her father; that causes all the trouble. Be so kind as to give our love to aunt Wonnacott, and believe me to remain your sincere friend,
JOSIAS HOSKIN.
New Plymouth, 13th Nov. 1841.
DEAR JOHN,
Having arrived at the place of our destination, I sit down to inform you of our passage from Plymouth to New Zealand. [Here the details of the voyage are given.] We arrived at New Plymouth, our place of destination, where we arrived on the 5th of September, and landed as emigrants with our beds, and some things besides, and the rest was sent us in boats; the people that went out in the last ship, put up some houses, so we could get a room for three shillings a-week; since that Mr. B. has bought the house, and we rent of him; but we are going to build one for ourselves. George works with Capt. King, and the wages is 5s. per day, from half-past seven till half-past four, so there is plenty of time to get several shillings overtime. Our provisions are not so very dear; we can get flour 4 1/2d. per pound, beef and pork 7 1/2d., sugar 8d., loaf sugar 1s. per pound. Potatoes are rather scarce at present, but we shall have them soon, plenty; and there is plenty in the ground. Soap 7 1/2d. per pound; we can buy every thing here just as plentiful as we could in England. The natives are very kind; they have got two chapels, and there is a missionary here, Mr. Creed, who preaches to them in their own language in one of the chapels, and he preaches to us as well. The natives build them for
[Image of page 49]
us, and they are very attentive to the place of worship; they do not like for any one to work on Sundays, they say it's "no good;" we cannot get them to build any houses, they say they will build no houses but one for God, that is a chapel; so they are going to build us a larger one, soon as they have put in their potatoes. Mr. J. Jury desired me when I did write to give my kind love to you, and to inform you that he would not be home again for a thousand pounds. I should be glad to see you here with us, but I never persuade no one; but I think if you did know how we get on, you would not abide in England long. I should wish for you to shew this letter to George Scown, &c.; and tell them that this is the place for labouring men.
Your affectionate Sister,
SALLY GIDDY.
FROM MATTHEW AND ELIZABETH JONAS TO THEIR RELATIONS.
Port Nicholson, New Zealand,
October 24th, 1841.
MY DEAR MOTHER, BROTHERS, AND SISTERS,
With great pleasure I have to inform you that we have arrived safe in this harbour at last, after a long and pleasant voyage: we never put into any place at all; we have had no storms at all. Port Nicholson is a beautiful place, and they say that New Plymouth is far superior; it is the beautifullest woods that ever was seen; there is none such in England: I believe the woods are close by the sea side. I wish you was all of you with us. Dear friends, all I hope this will find you all well, as it leaves us all, thank God for it; we have not been ill at all. The children are im-
[Image of page 50]
proved very much in growth. I cannot say anything about New Plymouth yet this time, but I hope to be able to give you a good account soon. There is a post goes out here two or three times in a week for Sydney: so it goes round to India, and round to England. The Amelia Thompson arrived in this harbour from New Plymouth, after discharging her cargo: we are going to remain here a week or ten days: it is twelve hours' sail with a fair wind to New Plymouth. We are longing to leave the ship; we want to go on shore: we have had very good living, and the water has kept very well indeed: we are allowed to bake every fifth day, which is a great treat; if you did but see the dishes we make up, you would be delighted. If any of you come out to see us, be sure to bring some pepper and some onions and oatmeal to make gruel, for it is very good when you are sick; I was very sick for a fortnight or more. Fred. Smith, the mason of Launceston, came on board as soon as we,arrived here; he is quite well and likes it very much indeed. Matthew has been cook almost all the voyage: I can assure you he is a very good cook now. There is several gentlemen wants to engage with him, but he won't engage with no one until he arrives at New Plymouth. Labouring men are getting 1l. 10s. a week at Port Nicholson; they say there is better wages given at New Plymouth; and we can buy things as cheap here as at home. Sugar 6d. per pound, and tea 4s. and 5s. per pound; soap 7d. lb., and meat 7d. and 8d. per lb.; shoes are dear; clothes very dear. Tea cups and saucers are 6s. a dozen, but I can do without it for some time. We have a lot of rice, peas, biscuits, coffee, and butter underhand, so we shan't be without some victuals when we land, and we shall have two or
[Image of page 51]
three weeks victuals from the Company when we land: so now I must conclude with all our kind loves to you; we all wish you health and happiness: their children all send you their loves, and little Mary, and all their cousins: so no more from your loving brother and sister,
MATTHEW AND ELIZABETH JONAS.
New Plymouth, New Zealand.
Nov. 15th, 1841.
DEAR MOTHER, BROTHERS, AND SISTERS.
With great pleasure, I sit down to send these few lines, hoping it will find you all well, as it leaves us all,--thank God for it. Dear friends, I hope you will receive the letter I sent from Port Nicholson before this can arrive. We staid at Port Nicholson twelve days, and we arrived at this place on Sunday last. We anchored in the morning, and we were all landed before night. We went off in the first boat, and I thought the people would have eaten us all; for they were so glad to see us. As soon as I was taken out of the boat, I saw Sally Jackson, that was, &c. &c. They all pressed us very hearty to go to their houses; but I could not go but to one, so we went with Sally Giddy. They were all so happy. They say they would not be in England again for the world; for they want for nothing now. Matthew is in work for Mr. Cutfield, at 5s. per day. They leave off at half-past four, so he works two hours over-time; so he makes 6s. per day, which is most so much as he used to get in a week at home. I wish you were all here. It is the prettiest place in all the world, I should think. They get 4s. a-day on for washing, and soap is not but 7d. per pound, and it is beautiful
[Image of page 52]
water for washing; so I hope we shall be able to do very well. Carpenters do very well; and shoemakers, if they come out, they must bring out leather; they then would soon make their fortunes; but other things are not very dear. The natives are very civil, poor souls! They come to see us with potatoes, and greens, and onions, or anything they can get. They part with it for a few trinkets. Good servants get from twenty to thirty pounds a-year, that is to say servants that get eight or ten in England; for there is not any furniture or bright grates to clean here. I hope to be able to send you some very good accounts when I write again. I hope you will send as often as you can, as I shall be able to send a letter to you sometimes, it will only cost threepence to free them from here to England, so I shall send as often as I can get the chance. We have not got any house yet, and Mr. Cutfield told us we should stay until he got us a house, so we have not any rent to pay here. Where we be it is just like gipseying; we go out of doors to cook our victuals, as there is hardly any chimneys, as the houses are all so low, and built with wood; so it would be dangerous to have chimneys in them. I wish you were all out here with us; for it must be very cold with you now; and it is our summer now. It will be our Christmas in the summer, here. It is beautiful weather now with us. I should like to see dear mother out; she would bear the voyage very well. There was some as old as she came out with us. So now I must conclude, with all our kind loves to you all, and the Lord bless you all. So no more from your loving brother and sister,
M. AND E. JONAS.
