This entertaining, informative, and occasionally moving and thought-provoking talk covers the main social and political drivers of New Zealand emigration in the second half of the 19th century.
In his 14th May 1991 talk- split here into 2 audio files – Duncan Waugh outlined the main reasons for the exodus. These are summarised as depressed farming, rigid social hierarchy, judicial harshness, the growth from 1870 of strong union organisation, as well as the desire of the new government in New Zealand for expansion and consolidation of European-style farming after the long-drawn-out wars with the Maoris in the 1860s. Schemes were developed to link both islands, and so upwards of 100,000 men were brought in to work on infrastructure projects, the building of mills and forest clearance as well as agricultural development. Thus, work in New Zealand was varying and plentiful.
The need to service these developments were matched in England by one overriding factor -demographics. Duncan illustrated this with a priceless and amusing joke about the Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould- he of Onward Christian Soldiers fame. Essentially, too few jobs for more and more people meant low wages and especially in rural areas.
Lack of jobs was compounded by the Enclosures, which increased efficiencies. Any loyalty between farm owners and workers would invariably break down when farms changed hands. And meantime, the arrival of railways locally in 1850s offered easy escape to industrial towns.
The dynamics around the meeting of interest between recruiting agents for New Zealand and the newly formed National Agricultural Labourers Union is highlighted. Charles Carter representing Brogdens as recruiting agents for the New Zealand government, and Joseph Arch, the firebrand Primitive Methodist prime-mover in the development of the Union, met in Leamington Spa. From this meeting, the Union was empowered to promote emigration as an alternative when increased wages could not be secured.
The story of Joseph Arch is highlighted – including coverage of the foresight of his parents in saving hard to buy the freehold of their home, thus not being dependent on employment for hearth and home. Losing a job meant homelessness otherwise. The story from May 1873 of the Ascott Martyrs is also covered.
Duncan gives vivid anecdotal description of the sea passages, with their attendant privations and incidence of child sickness and death. Difficult stories indeed, especially one of a girl Mary Jane Johnson who died in quarantine, and a ship’s quartermaster whom the children called “uncle”.
These privations – including the story of the ill-fated Cospatrick – are contrasted with the experience of Elizabeth Groves, who in 1881 travelled First Class to New Zealand with her new husband and recorded in her diary, their journey and experiences.
About Duncan Waugh
Duncan lived at The Old Till House, Upper Shipton with wife Daphne. He was a WLHS committee member for many years and had a good knowledge of the history emigration to New Zealand – a favourite subject. One of the first members, his son lives in the house now (March 2021).
See also:
The Cospatrick Tragedy – From the Society Journal No. 14
19th Century Emigration from Oxfordshire: A Book Review
The 1870s: A Decade of Decisions – From the Society Journal No 3
DB 2021
