Emigration

A FINE first-class SHIP, of 500 Tons burthen, with a Poop and very superior accommodations for Cabin, Intermediate, and Steerage Passengers, will be dispatched in APRIL next, from the RIVER THAMES, direct for SYDNEY, touching at PLYMOUTH, to embark passengers.

A very extensive demand exists in this Colony for married Mechanics, particularly Carpenters, Joiners, Stone-masons, Stone-cutters, Bricklayers, Plasterer's, Blacksmiths, Wheelwrights, Glaziers, and others; also for Agricultural Servants, Shepherds (especially people well acquainted with stock) and Gardeners. Such Persons, provided they are of steady character, and not exceeding 30 years of age, may, with their families, obtain a passage by this conveyance at a very small cost to themselves. Numerous parties have already engaged to proceed in this Ship; she will carry an experienced Surgeon, and all possible care will be exercised to secure the comfort of the Passengers on the Voyage.

The above advertisement was placed in the West Briton Newspaper published on 3rd February 1837. Advertisements encouraging emigration to the colonies were regularly placed in the newspapers to try to build up the skills of the workforce in the colonies.

To this end the "Bounty Immigration" scheme was introduced to encourage the skilled tradesman to emigrate. This scheme paid for the passage of the emigrants and a "bounty" to the agents who signed them up. In addition, the agents were able to also charge the emigrants no more than one pound per adult. The scheme was funded by the release, and sale of land in the colonies.

There were strict regulations imposed on the agents and ship owners in regards to space allocated, health care and rations while on board, to ensure the emigrants were not taken advantage of by unscrupulous operators. On each vessel was a cow (for milk), hens (eggs) and pigs (meat), and an ample supply of clear filtered water.

A surgeon always accompanied the passengers on each of the voyages to ensure the health of the passengers. However, it was not uncommon for a number of the passengers to die during the voyage.