Queen of the Colonies, Immigrant Voyage to Queensland 1866

NEWSPAPER COVERAGE

THE QUEEN OF THE COLONIES.

This fine ship has again made an excellent passage from London. She sailed from the Downs at noon on July 12, and from Spithead on July 24, at 0.15 a.m. On July 28 she was off Cape Ushant, and off Cape Finisterre on Monday, July 30, at 3.30 p.m. On the 26th day from clearing the Channel she crossed the Line, on August 22, in long. 28 deg. W. ; crossed the meridian of the Cape of Good Hope on September 10 in latitude 41 deg. S., and ran down her easting on the 45th parallel. She made Cape Leeuwin on September 29 ; King's Island on October 4 ; Cape Howe on October 7 ; and Cape Moreton on October 12, accom-plishing the passage in seventy-six days from the Channel until sighting Moreton Island. The greatest distance run in one day was 336 knots ; and in one week 2057 knots. She ran a distance of 4050 miles in 14 days. The average run per day on the passage from the Equator to Cape Otway was 241 knots, or an average of 10 knots per hour. The weather throughout the passage has been very pleasant, and she has not experienced a single gale. On the Australian coast she had light winds. The ship made Cape Moreton on the evening of the 12th October, and early next day she was boarded by the pilot, and at noon he anchored her off the Pilot Station in Yule Roads. On the 14th the vessel proceeded up the bay, and at noon she anchored in Brisbane Roads. At 4 p.m. the same day Dr. Purdie visited the ship and admitted her to pratique.

We have much pleasure in subjoining a copy of Dr. Scott's report of the voyage, to the Colonial Secretary :—

"I have the honor to report to you that we have accomplished our voyage in 76 days. We left the Channel on the 28th of July, and arrived in Moreton Bay the 12th of October, 1866. This, I believe, is the quickest passage which has hitherto been accomplished. In every other respect it has been equally suc-cessful, although commenced under auspices certainly unfavorable. At the time of leaving London cholera was raging in the neigh-borhood of the East India Docks, where the ship was lying, and several cases presenting severe choleraic symptoms oc-curred on board ; therefore we determined not to put to sea without feeling assured that we might do so safely, yet the advisability of removing the vessel from the neighborhood of the contagion was so apparent that we decided to coast along the English shore as far as Spithead, and then, if necessary, we could remain at Portsmouth. On arriving there, however, we judged that the voyage might safely be commenced. For a few days cases of cholera and severe diarrhoea pre-sented themselves, one of which terminated in death; but I am happy to state that they yielded to the treatment employed in about ten days, and since that period no symptoms of its presence have been observed. Three cases of measles have occurred, all of which terminated favorably ; and here I must state my belief that it was en-tirely in consequence of the hospital having been placed on deck, thus giving an opportunity for isolating cases of contagion, that we were enabled to prevent the spread of the disease which afflicted us. With these exceptions, and that of some trifling maladies which must of necessity arise when a number of people are congregated to-gether, I am happy to state that we have been altogether free from illness.

Of the general arrangements of the ship I cannot speak too highly. The provisions were excellent, and liberally supplied. The passengers were singu-larly respectable, well-behaved, and cleanly ; indeed, the decks, the tables, the berths, and even the utensils, were all scrubbed and polished to the very utmost ; so that the ship presented an air of comfort which added considerably to the agreeableness of the voyage, and which in no small degree contributed to its healthiness.

During the trying period when cholera was present, the conduct, the patience, the cheer-fulness of every one is deserving of all praise. So far from having to resort to punishment, I do not remember that it has ever been neces-sary to offer the slightest rebuke for misconduct during the passage. On Sundays the ship presented the quiet and orderly appearance befitting the Christian Sabbath. The people were well dressed, and regularly attended the divine services, five of which were held every Sunday during the voyage. Amusements during the favorable weather were amply supplied by concerts, readings, &c.

The school was exceedingly well conducted by the schoolmaster, Mr. Beattie. I have very great pleasure in testifying to the zeal and kind interest with which he endeavored to instruct all who were willing to re-ceive this benefit. He also superintended the Sunday school. I am happy to report the birth of three children.

One cir-cumstance must not be omitted, as it will illustrate the care taken in the selection of our paasengers. At the moment of starting eight of the single girls were taken from the ship. They had all been provided with the usual certificates of good conduct, signed by magistrates and ministers of religion, but some circumstances of a suspicious nature having been communicated to Mr. Jordan, the Agent-General, he at once caused them to be removed from the ship and conveyed to their previous place of residence. I cannot conclude without testifying in the warmest tones that the kind interest and aid I have at all times received from Captain Owen have, in no small degree, contributed to the success of our voyage. Many thanks are also due to Mr. Jones, the chief mate; Mr. Gibson, the purser ; and all other officers of the ship for the kind assistance they have at all times rendered."

THE QUEEN OF THE COLONIES. from The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933) of Friday 19 October 1866, Page 3. at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1275701?

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[ADVERTISEMENT.]

To CAPTAIN OWEN.

Master of the Queen of the Colonies.

SIR,-We the undersigned, being the Com-mittee appointed by general consent, at a meet-ing held on Saturday, October 6, 1866, beg to present to you, on behalf of the passengers be-longing to the Queen of the Colonies, our most heartfelt thanks and congratulations on the prosperous issue of the voyage now drawing to a close (and which we have reason to believe has been one of the shortest on record) under your care and guidance.

Your uniform kindness and courtesy, com-bined with your masterly handling of the ship, have succeeded in changing our feelings of res-pect into those warmer ones of esteem and friendship. We have no doubt that all your undertakings hereafter will be as successful as this has been, and we most sincerely wish you and yours long life and every happiness, at this same time begging your acceptance of this purse of money as a token of esteem from your friends on board.

(Signed),

George R. Harding Chairman, W. H. Loosemore, V. H. Rowe, E. J. King, Robert Brier Edmund A. Story, Samuel Ewing, John Perry Benjamin Beatty, Orlando Say

[ADVERTISEMENT.]

To Mr. JONES,

Chief Officer of the Queen of the Colonies.

SIR,-We, the undersigned, on behalf of the passengers, on board the Queen of the Colonies, being desirous of showing you some slight token of esteem and respect, for the gentlemanly con-duct and courtesy you have throughout exhi-bited to all; beg to present you with this purse as a momento of the voyage we have taken together.

We feel that the incredibly short passage we have had is partly owing to your watchfulness and exertions, and we most sincerely thank you for the perfect order and discipline you have helped to preserve during tho voyage. We wish you most heartily every success and happiness through life ; at the same time hoping, that when you next leave the shores of Old England, it will be as captain of your own vessel.

(Signed).

Capel H. Miers Chairman, Saml. Ewing, Benjamin Beatty, E. J. King, W. H. Loosomore, Edmund A. Story, V. H. Rowe, O. R. Say, Robert Brier, J. Perry.

[ADVERTISEMENT.]

To Dr. SCOTT.

Surgeon-Superintendent of tho Queen of the Colonies.

SIR,-We, the undersigned, being a Com-mittee chosen by general consent, beg to offer you-on the behalf of the passengers on board the Queen of the Colonies-our sincere and heartfelt thanks, for the uniform kindness and careful interest you have throughout the voyage bestowed upon all of us.

Tho voyage commenced under very painful auspices, and we feel that the highest praise is due to you for your constant and unremitting attention during the period when the cholera threatened our lives, and which, we believe, under Providence, stayed the course of that malady.

The cleanliness and ventilation of the vessel has been from the first unexampled, and the comforts of all have been most carefully con-sidered and provided for. We also feel it a more special subject for congratulation that the good feeling and fellowship among all classes on board, have been throughout most conspicuous -a fact, greatly owing to your tact and con-ciliatory measures.

We cannot conclude without complimenting you on the general healthiness of the ship and the very few deaths which have occurred ; and we most sincerely hope that all your future un-dertakings will be as prosperous as this has been.

We, one and all, wish you and yours every success and happiness through life, at the same time begging your acceptance of this purse of money, as a small token of esteem from your friends on board.

(Signed),

George R. Harding Chairman, W. H. Loosemore, V. H. Rowe, E. J. King, Robert Brier, Edmund A. Storey, Saml. Ewing, J. Perry, Benjamin Beatty, O. R. Say.

[ADVERTISEMENT.]

To. MR. GIBSON.

Purser, Queen of the Colonies.

SIR,-We, the undersigned members of Com-mittee, beg leave in the name of our fellow passengers on board this ship to express our high estimation of the thorough uprightness shown by you in the discharge of the onerous duties devolving on you as Purser.

It must be very gratifying to you to know, as we hereby assure you, that not withstanding the many tastes you had to study, the various minds you had to deal with, and the multifarious duties required of you, you have succeeded in pleasing all who have had the good fortune to be supplied from your stores.

As a small token of our regard, we beg your acceptance of a small gift (to be purchased and given you on arrival in Brisbane), as a memento of us, even when the wide ocean, emblem of eternity, separates us from you. We cannot conclude without wishing you long life and prosperity in all your future undertakings.

Signed in the name of our fellow-passengers. Capel H. Miers Chair-man, Benjamin Beatty, V. H. Rowe, Edmund A. Story, Samuel Ewing, E. J. King, Robert Brier, Simon Munro, Henry Cook

all from Display Advertising. in The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933) of Friday 19 October 1866, Page 3. at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1275709/54665#

PASSENGER LIST for both 1865 & 1866 voyages

• Queen of the Colonies from the Queensland State Archives Assisted Immigration 1848-1912 database at: http://www.archivessearch.qld.gov.au/Image/DigitalImageDisplay.aspx?ImageId=39195

IMAGES on TROVE

Advertising card giving details of the ship, her sailing route, her owners, and other relevant information. It is illustrated with a royal crest at the top. 1866 Advertising card

Studio photograph of the Maudsleys. Richard Maudsley was a grazier on the property, Undaban in Goomeri, Queensland. He came to Brisbane on the ship, Queen of the Colonies with his parents in 1866. He took over the property from his father, Richard Maudsley. Maria Jane was born in Ipswich, a daughter of English immigrants. Richard Maudsley with his wife Maria Jane