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'Lancashire Witch'
The Illustrated London News April 27, 1867:
LANCASHIRE WITCH,
"The ship Lancashire Witch, 1574 tons register, sailed recently from London for Canterbury NZ, with a full complement of cabin
passengers [31 saloon, 12 second] and about 110 in the steerage. Of the latter 85 were Government passengers, and amongst them 52 single women, to whom free passages were given."
[92 passengers listed below.]
Lyttelton Times version 1867 (opens
in a new window)
The Star version 1923. (opens
in a new window)
LANCASHIRE WITCH - sailed from London 02 April 1867 - arrived Lyttelton 29 July
1867, 110 days. Land to land 89 days. Captain King.
FAMILIES AND CHILDREN DAVIS Philip 39 Oxfordshire Cook Eliza 41 Thomas 18 [ transferred to page 16 ] Henry 16 [ transferred to page 16 ] WICKS Jemima 23 [ transferred to page 22 ] JACKSON Hininan 27 Lincolnshire Farm Laborer [ Timaru ] Ann 22 [ Timaru ] SPOONER Joseph 34 Norfolk Farm Laborer Eliza 35 Arthur 8 Agnes 5 Walter 3 MURRAY Thomas 25 Ayrshire Farm Laborer Jane 22 Thomas 3 James 2 GREIG Daniel 34 Fifeshire Farm Laborer Isabella 29 SHEEHAN Thomas 30 Cork Farm Laborer Ellen 28 William 6 John 3 HENDERSON Thomas 33 Armagh Laborer Elizabeth 30 John 8 Susanna 6 William infant SINGLE MEN DAVIS Thomas 18 Oxfordshire Laborer Henry 16 Oxfordshire Laborer CARVER Robt Wm 22 Leicestershire Grocer CROSS Will Peter 19 Yorkshire Farm Laborer CLARKSON Emmerson 18 Yorkshire Farm Laborer CLAY William 21 Warwickshire Baker SWINDELL James 25 Middlesex Watch Maker HODGES Frankling 10 Cornwall FINDLAY Robert 23 Aberdeenshire Farm Laborer WALKER William 20 Londonderry Laborer WALLS Robert 20 Londonderry Laborer QUINN Thomas 18 Sligo Laborer OWENS William 20 Tipperary Domestic Servant SINGLE WOMEN WICKS Jemima 23 Oxfordshire Domestic Servant CLAY Sarah H 19 Warwickshire Domestic Servant [ Timaru ] BIRMINGHAM Mary 21 Warwickshire Cook [ Timaru ] WALLS Mary Jane 20 Londonderry Domestic Servant QUINN Maria 20 Sligo Domestic Servant BANT Elizabeth 37 Middlesex Matron GEORGE Flora 18 Middlesex Domestic Servant SMALL Eliz. Alice 25 Middlesex Domestic Servant [ Timaru ] TOOLEY Theresa 18 Middlesex Domestic Servant [ Timaru ] MUDD Emily 25 Middlesex Domestic Servant DANIELS Eliza 17 Surrey Domestic Servant GODDARD Harriet 19 Surrey Domestic Servant RUSSELL Harriet 31 Surrey Dress Maker SMITH Elizabeth 28 Surrey Cook WEDERELL Emily 22 Surrey Barmaid [ Timaru ] WILLIAMS Emma 21 Hampshire Domestic Servant BEASLEY Eliza J 17 Middlesex Domestic Servant LEWIS Elizabeth 22 Wiltshire Milliner SECKERSON Mercy 20 Worcestershire Domestic Servant LOWTHER Emma 19 Cambridgeshire Domestic Servant Louisa 14 Cambridgeshire Domestic Servant STRAIN Hephzibah 22 Worcestershire Dairy Maid LAWRENCE Louisa 25 Warwickshire Cook TRUMPER Ann 26 Herefordshire Domestic Servant Eliza 17 Herefordshire Domestic Servant COLLAY Emma 14 HOSKEN Hester 19 Cornwall Domestic Servant [# note 1 ] CAMPBELL Jane 28 Perthshire Domestic Servant Helen 25 Perthshire Domestic Servant SYME Grahame 23 Fifeshire Domestic Servant BAIRD Margaret 38 Stirling Cook [ Timaru ] GILCHRIST Cathe 19 Donegal Domestic Servant [# note 1 ] PURDON Mary A 23 Antrim Dairy Maid [# notes 1+2 ] FRIZZELL Rachel 22 Tyrone Domestic Servant BOYD Jane 27 Tyrone Domestic Servant [ Timaru ] MEADE Margaret 20 Kings Domestic Servant [ Timaru ] ALEXANDER Jane 25 Kings Domestic Servant [ Timaru ] BURN Margaret 23 Wicklow Domestic Servant WILLIAMS Prudence 21 Kerry Domestic Servant BRODIE Ellen 21 Limerick Domestic Servant ELDRIDGE Maria 22 Limerick Domestic Servant HICKEY Sarah 25 Tipperary Dairy Maid [ Timaru ] OWENS Mary 28 Tipperary Domestic Servant EDWARDS Sarah 21 Tipperary Domestic Servant [# note 1 ] LAWLOR Ellen 25 Tipperary Domestic Servant ST JOHN Mary 25 Tipperary Domestic Servant FOSTER Mary Ann 20 Warwickshire Dress Maker BESWETHERICK Elizth 25 Cornwall Cook SWIFT Annie 32 Lancashire Nurse WRIGHT Hannah Mc 18 Armagh Domestic Servant BENNETT Annie 20 Down Domestic Servant KELSO Ann 19 Down Domestic Servant
# Note 1 = refused to go to Timaru after being engaged. There was a giant
asterisk * in the margin by the surname, text in the comments. Timaru - was
written over the surname in the column.
# Note 2 = child by MEDLOW [?] of Papanui - this was in the margin on the better
copy of the list.
Source = Archives NZ, Chch - IM CH 4/78 1+2
Transcribed by Ailsa Dodge, Christchurch. Posted 28 Oct. 2004. Ailsa wrote "It was fortunate
that there were two copies of the passenger list, by different hands, just as
well as one was about a 3rd generation photocopy and a trifle hard to read. I
have kept the spacing as it was on the originals."
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The Timaru Herald 7 August 1867 page 2
Arrived August 5 - Wainui, s.s. 87 tons, Bain, from Lyttelton, via intermediate ports. Passengers - Mr and
Mrs Wood, and nine children, H. Jackson and wife, G. Meredith, T. Thomson and fourteen female immigrants, ex
Lancashire Witch.
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A transcription of the report on Lancashire Witch online at
Archives NZ, Christchurch site.
"Lancashire Witch" 1867
The Commissioners report that they found the Ship in average condition as regards cleanliness. The provisions were reported as satisfactory in quality and quantity with the exception of Flour the quality of which was bad. The distilling apparatus (Graveley's) had worked but indifferently requiring to be continually going during the 24 hours to give a diminished supply to the Immigrants. The Single Women were generally well conducted and appear a desirable class of immigrants but to this there is a marked exception in the Case of 4 Girls all supplied from one Agent in London whose name will be communicated to the Provincial Government with detached particulars. The Immigrants of the Ship were of a nature that the Commissioners consider particularly objectionable, besides the presence of Single Male saloon passengers frequently objected to by the Commissioners in reporting previous ships. In the Lancashire Witch they note the following:
page 2
In the Single Woman's Compartment 2 Assisted Immigrants for a payment were allowed an enclosed cabin thus establishing difference when all should be equal.
In the Compartment allotted to married immigrants was Second Cabin passengers, free steerage passengers. The female Hospital and dispensary and through it only was access to the Store Room.
In the Single Men's Compartment was the Male Hospital, the Single Immigrants, free passengers, Immigrants (as in the Single Women's Compartments) for extra payment in Enclosed Cabin and besides these a portion of the Crew.
The Surgeon Superintendent, matron and officers of the ship are recommended
for full gratuities
Dr Wm Donald
John T Rouse
Fred. D Gibson
Richard R. Armstrong
Copy
David M Mackay
Assistant Immigration Officer
5th August 1867
Memorandarum. The four girls referred to in Report were sent by an Agent in London named Dawson. One at least came on board suffering from Venereal complaint and all 4 are believed to be prostitutes.
page 4
1273 2
By Lancashire Witch
10-8-67
Eliza Daniels )
Harriett Goddart ) From Mr Dawson
Flora George ) London
Alice Small )
Eliza Trumper far gone in family way.
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I would be delighted if descendants would consider providing a "potted history" by email to be posted on this web page and I can added an email link pointing back to you if desired. Thanks.
Other Voyages:
The "Lancashire Witch" was built in Québec, in 1854, using oak and tamarack. She was
a full rigged ship of 1574 tons, sheathed in felt and yellow metal in 1855, and was eleven years off the stocks when
she commenced trading to New Zealand. In 1856 owned by D. Dunbar.
Port of registry: London
Port of survey: London. Latter owned by Firnie and Co. of Liverpool, and in 1863 was chartered by the Shaw, Savill Co.
Captain J. Mollison and the Dunbar fleet were regular visitors to Australia and New Zealand.
1856
The Lancashire Witch left Gravesend on 4 April 1856 and carried the members of the 65th (2nd Yorkshire North Riding) from Ireland and stopped into Melbourne on the way to drop off members of the 11th Regiment in Sydney, and continued with the 65th Regiment to Wellington. This Regiment was responsible for the area around Taranaki during the Second Maori Wars. and arrived in Wellington on 20 July 1856, then going on to Auckland, where it arrived on 1 August 1856. J. Mollison was the Captain.
The following articles reported her arrival in Wellington ...
From the Wellington Spectator 23 July 1856
Arrival of Lancashire WitchThe Lancashire Witch arrive on Sunday evening from London, via Hobart Town and Sydney, with a detachment of 257 men of the 65th regiment, under the command of Capt. Peebles of the 11th Regiment, and Ensigns Lewis, Leonard, and Penefather, of the 65th regiment, and Assistant Surgeon Birkett, of 74th regiment, having landed a detachment of the 11th regiment at Sydney. She has made a quick passage of eight days from Sydney. The Lancashire Witch is, we believe, the largest, and is certainly one of the finest vessels that has entered this harbour. It is reported she will proceed to Auckland.
From the Taranaki Herald 2nd Aug 1856:The Lancashire Witch….is a new vessel, and has made a most rapid voyage. She arrived in Hobart Town in 77 days from Portsmouth, landed a portion of the 12th Regiment, proceeded to Sydney and landed a portion of the 11th Regiment, and finally arrived in Wellington in 15 days, making a total of 92 days between Portsmouth and New Zealand
Daily Southern Cross, 5 August 1856, Page 2 Port of Auckland
Entered Inwards .August 1 — William Denny (s s.) 600 tons, R. Mailler, from Sydney. Passengers : Mr. Powditch, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis, Miss Hungerford, Mr. S. A. Wood, Mr. J. S Macfarlane, Mr. Whitlaw, Captain Brier, Mr. Pillian, Mr. and Mrs. Sharp, Piri Kawau, Mrs. Bredy and 3 children, Miss Farris.— G. Duke, agent.
August 1— Lancashire Witch, 1385 tons, A. S Molison, from Wellington, in ballast. Passengers : Capt. Peebles, 11th regt. and servant, Captain Blewitt, 28 men, 7 women, 8 children 65th regt , Assistant Surgeon Burkett 74th regt., 1 private sapper and miner. — J. Salmon & Co., agents.
The Lancashire Witch left Wellington on Monday the 28th ulto,, and, having the wind from sou-west, came by Cape Palliher, and the Eastern coast. She arrived off Cape Colville on Thursday evening, and entered the harbour on the forenoon of Friday. She brings a small detachment of the 65th regt., consisting of Captain Blewitt, 28 rank and file, 7 women, and 8 children, under command of Captain Peebles of the 11th regt., together with Assistant Surgeon Burkitt, of the 74th regt., and one private of the Royal Sappers and Miners. The Lancashire Witch is nearly a new vessel, of Quebec build, and is now her first voyage to these colonies. She is the largest ship that has entered our harbour, and is certainly a magnificent specimen of marine architecture. She is commanded by Captain Molison, who, it will be remembered, brought the Westminster to the Bay of Islands, in March, 1840 ; and is the joint property of that gentleman and Messrs. Duncan Dunbar and Son.
The Lancashire Witch is the largest, and finest merchant vessel that has ever entered this port, and has made one of the quickest passages on record. She sailed from Portsmouth on the 17th April, and arrived at Hobart Town on the 3rd July, after a quick passage of 77 days. She remained at Hobart Town only three days, where a detachment of the 12th regt., consisting of Ensign Oliver, and 85 rank and file were landed ; and sailed from thence for Sydney on the 6th July, where she arrived on the 9th inst., after a passage of three clays. A detachment of the 11th regt, under the command of Major Blosse, consisting of Captain Roe, Lieut. Birch, Ensign Martin, and 77 rank and file were disembarked at Sydney. After remaining 4 days at Sydney, she tailed for this port on the 13th inst., and arrived here on the 20th, after a very quick passage of seven days, completing the whole distance from Portsmouth to Wellington in the short space of 94 days. She has brought on here a detachment of the 65th regt., under the command of Captain Peebles of the 11th regt., consisting of Ensigns Lewis, Pennefather, and Leonard, 3 Sergeants, 247 rank and file, 30 women, and 31 children. The health of the troops, under the care of Assistant Surgeon Burkitt, has been very good. Three deaths, adults, and four births occurred during the voyage. On the 25th May, Ensign Harrison, of the 11th regt., accidentally fell overboard, and was drowned. There was a strong breeze blowing at the time, the vessel going through the water at the rate of 12 knots an hour, and from the heavy sea that was on, it was found impossible to lower the boots to his assistance. —
List of the members of the 65th that left from Banbridge, County Down, Ireland courtesy of R. Whiteside who has an ancestor is on this list. The list is not a complete listing of the 65th Regiment and users are advised to check with original sources. Posted 29 August 2005.
Reg# Rank Surname First name Occupation Enlistment Age on Discharge Place of Date Enlistment Date Discharge
1653 Sgt Nail Samuel Weaver 02/19/1841 11/01/1864 Wellington 1952 Pvt Cunningham Robert Shoemaker 03/8/1842 03/31/1850 Wellington 1959 Pvt Crozier John Labourer 03/17/1842 21 02/28/1857 Wellington 2004 Pvt Hathorne David Weaver 05/03/1842 12/31/1849 Wellington 2042 Pvt Russell Private Sawyer 12/18/1842 02/28/1857 Wellington 2052 Pvt Mooney Edward Labourer 05/29/1843 01/31/1857 Wellington 2064 Pvt McAlevey John Weaver 06/27/1843 12/31/1853 Wellington 2248 Pvt Murphy James Labourer 08/10/1845 19 09/14/1865 Otahuhu 3285 CPL Grimes Thomas Labourer 03/11/1854 18 09/09/1865 Otahuhu 3286 Pvt Douglas William Labourer 03/13/1854 18 08/31/1865 Otahuhu 3414 Pvt Burns Edward Weaver 11/20/1854 08/31/1865 Otahuhu 3427 Pvt Hull James Threadmaker 12/11/1854 19 9/05/1865 Otahuhu 3441 Pvt McCraken James Weaver 12/26/1854 20 08/31/1865 Otahuhu 3458 Pvt Gray John Ropemaker 01/13/1855 20 09/09/1865 Otahuhu 3461 Pvt Grant William Shoemaker 01/15/1855 20 08/31/1865 Otahuhu 3473 Pvt Whiteside John Weaver 02/10/1855 28 18/09/1865 Otahuhu 3475 Pvt Gerry George Weaver 02/10/1855 19 09/28/1865 Otahuhu 3477 CPL Graham William John Weaver 02/13/1855 19 08/31/1965 Otahuhu 3485 Pvt Stevenson James Labourer 03/03/1855 10/05/1865 Otahuhu 3506 Pvt Davison Robert Labourer 04/02/1855 18 09/09/1865 Otahuhu 3508 Pvt McKeown William John Labourer 04/07/1855 18 09/14/1865 Otahuhu 3522 SGT Moffitt Robert Weaver 04/21/1855 21 09/09/1865 Otahuhu 3523 Pvt McAfee John Hackler 04/07/1855 18 09/09/1865 Otahuhu 3524 Pvt McGivern Mark Weaver 05/02/1855 18 08/31/1865 Otahuhu 3534 Ptv Crozier Braham Weaver 05/14/1855 09/11/1865 Otahuhu 3543 Pvt Brown John Weaver 11/20/1854 3544 Pvt Mulligan Richard Weaver 06/12/1855 20 08/31/1865 Otahuhu 3545 Pvt McKeown Patrick Labourer 06/13/1855 20 09/18/1865 Otahuhu 3563 Pvt Brown William Labourer 05/14/1855 3574 Pvt McAllister William Labourer 08/11/1855 18 09/14/1865 Otahuhu 3577 Pvt O’Rourke Patrick Labourer 08/20/1855 09/09/1865 Otahuhu
1863 to Lyttelton via Cape of Good Hope and Timaru
1865 to Auckland with the largest number of passengers that had ever arrived at Auckland in one vessel, 490.
Papers Past_______________________________
Condensing Water
Up to the early 1850s there was no means of distilling water and it all had to be loaded prior to departure and enroute, if there were any stops! So somewhat fetid after a couple of months. A vessel would carry many tons of water, and this was often the first thing that would be discharged, or started, as they used to say, if a vessel went aground or needed to be lightened quickly.
By the early 1850s various types of patent distilling apparatus were being developed and tested especially by the RN. The water distilled onboard was rather flat compared with water ashore, but that it was far better than water which had been stored onboard for weeks or more. The distilling machine heated seawater using a fire (not sure if it was coal, wood or gas) and the steam was condensed forming fresh water. Several different brands of apparatus were produced in those days.
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