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James Fraser, the son of Archibald Fraser and Margaret Philip
Born on the 17th May 1840
Died on the 28th September 1922.
Married 12 August 1867 in Sydney, Australia,
to Elspeth Begg,
daughter of John Begg and Anne Fraser of Aberdeen, Scotland.
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APRIL 28
Left Aberdeen by train for Glasgow to join the wooden ship Maryborough for Queensland, Australia.
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MAY 1
In company with my brother Archibald and Elsie Begg my fiancee joined the Maryborough and went to Greenock.
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MAY 2
Left Glasgow at one pm for Greenoch drawn by two tugs, where we anchored about half a mile from the shore. Things were very confused, especially at meal times, but through the afternoon we were divided into messes of six, eight or ten, each taking turns at meal times attending to the wants of the others, order ought now to be kept. Throughout the afternoon also the ships butcher and one of the passengers came to blows. The passenger was knocked down and rendered insensible. The captain was brought but would not listen to any of the passengers but allowed the second mate to flourish his fists in their faces, a proceeding I consider most unwarranted and not a little imprudent seeing we are so near shore.
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MAY 3
Still lying off Greenoch. Passengers getting impatient, we were to sail on April 30.
MAY 4
Still at anchor. Letters were taken off today. Worship conducted this afternoon by an old sea Captain now of the Mariners Chapel, Greenock.
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MAY 5
This morning abstracts of Government rules for the management of passenger ships were put up by the police, a copy of Queensland Govt. Rules being up before some of the passengers were selected by the doctor to act as police during the voyage. Drawn by steam tugs we left Greenock this afternoon, a pilot accompanying to near the Isle of Craig.
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SUNDAY 6
Rather calm, any wind against us so we get along slowly. Two services on the poop. Episcopal in the forenoon. Presbyterian afternoon conducted by a Mr Watt from Aberdeen. Any other denomination could have service.
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MAY 7
Calm till midday no progress since yesterday morning. In the afternoon it began to blow and though ahead we got along some six or seven miles an hour.
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MAY 8
Wind much the same till afternoon when it became much stronger, broke the gobbon and split some of the sail. I had been in bed all day from sickness but got up for a short time in the evening, things had a very wrecked appearance.
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MAY 9
Still a head wind, ship rolling a great deal. I'm in bed most of the day.
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MAY 10
Head wind till midday when it turned and we had a good run.
- MAY 11
Wind fairly strong, gobboom carried away.
- MAY 12
This afternoon when we were going about nine miles an hour a young man, a passenger, when lifting water was taken overboard by one of the ropes and though every effort was made to save him by throwing life buoys. launching boats e.t.c. he was gone before they could reach him.
- SUNDAY MAY 13
Fair progress made today, being wet no service was held, room not being available under cover.
- MAY 14
Fair progress though head wind.
- MAY 15
Wind similar to yesterday, passed near and signaled two ships homeward bound.
- MAY 16
Almost calm, very little progress, passed one vessel. Concert at night, rather poor but under the circumstances not bad.
- MAY 17
Calm forenoon but wind and fair progress during the afternoon.
- MAY 18
Rough and wet forenoon. A little better in the afternoon but no speed. A steerage passage is a comfortless affair.
- MAY 19
Saw some porpoises but before preparations could be made for harpooning they were gone.
- SUNDAY MAY 20
Wet till about 2pm when we had a sudden squall of wind which lasted about ten minutes. What with the roaring of the wind, the yelling of the sailors, the rattling of ropes and plopping of sails, I believe some of the passengers thought their last day had come but it passed with the rending of one dail. Episcopal Service was conducted during the forenoon. Presbyterian afternoon.
- MAY 21
Mr Watt gave a lecture on the sea in the afternoon but a sudden downpour of rain put a stop to it.
- MAY 22
Sea as calm as a summer pool, hardly a breath of wind. Some trouble among the passengers about the provisions of which we were not getting the proper quantity.
- MAY 23
Dry in the forenoon, wet in the afternoon. The doctor promised the proper allowance of provisions but it is understood the Captain says the quantity of several items is short.
- MAY 24
Wet dull morning but about eight it came on to blow, and though it varied through the day we have made the best run yet.
Though this is the Queens birthday there was no demonstration but our number was increased by the birth of twin daughters. We are said to be 960 miles from the equator.
- MAY 25
Made another good run today. Some trouble was caused by the doctor treating a woman roughly. She has two sons and a daughter on. One of the sons went on the poop to remonstrate with him about it, what words passed we know not, but they came to grips and the son was put in irons and placed in fore hold among coal and other stores. In the evening the single men got up a petition to be removed from such an unsuitable place, upon its presentation the Captain and doctor came and stated their views promising to consider the matter if we would stand bail for his future good conduct.
- MAY 26
Wind still good though a head of us. The prisoner was released today, he may have to stand a trial in Australia. From some remarks I heard the Captain make, he seems to think his present passengers the worst crowd he has had to deal with though his reasons for such conclusions are not all obvious. Tattlers probably have something to do with it.
- SUNDAY MAY 27
Still a head wind. Progress slow. Service twice cut short by rain.
- MAY 28
Wind weaker but nearer the right direction. Since Thursday we have averaged about ten miles an hour though not always in the right direction. We are having occasional concerts.
- MAY 29
The wind is lower but being from a better direction, are more effective. Songs and recitations were given tonight but they were such as I did not appreciate. A male birth today.
- MAY 30
Getting along fairly well. Readings were given from the Ingoldably Legends by the doctor in the evening, there was also singing but owing to the illness of a lady passenger it was cut short.
- MAY 31
Still going along well. In the evening there was a dead horse exhibition among the sailors, it is said to be common among sailors on the last of the month. A barrel was dressed to resemble a horse or donkey, some of the sailors blackened their faces, one was dressed up and placed on the donkey, sailor and donkey were drawn round the deck. Upon the poop some songs were sung and grog served. They were then hoisted to the yard arm, coloured lights burnt, the donkey minus his rider was dropped in the sea together with a barrel of burning tinder which we could see for some time. Afterwards there was rocket firing, singing, dancing and drinking the later amongst the crew till near eleven. The Captain said if we behaved as well as we had done since leaving Glasgow, we would have many such evenings. He has told us more than once that we were the dirtiest, most troublesome and dissatisfied lot of passengers he ever had to do with. Now we are not only well behaved but the best singers he ever had on a ship. During the last two days we have passed several ships. Our ship though not much to look at has outrun everyone we have seen. The dead horse performance is gone through at the end of the first month only.
- JUNE 1
Morning noon and night we have a little wind but none through the day. Some of the passengers are getting up a Temperance Society, I promised to join. Some of Mother Careys chicken are about.
- JUNE 2
Similar to yesterday. Someone who I strongly suspect took 5.0.0 five pounds from my bag and though a search was made it was not found. Thieving is common, one girl lost articles to the value of eleven pounds. A man lost a top coat but it thought they were taken before we left Scotland.
- SUNDAY JUNE 3
Wind and weather much the same as the last two days. The temperature is rising but I don't find it oppressive. We are now in the tropics though still a long way from the equator. A vessel was spoken to this morning, thirty one days from land, bound for Valparasio. Service at ten and three.
- JUNE 4
Fair breeze. About 9am spoke a ship from Scotland, London to Calcutter, twenty eight days from land. We soon left her behind as we have done everyone going the same way.
- JUNE 5
Making fair progress. Numbers of flying fish about, they are not much larger in appearance than a swallow.
- JUNE 6
Still a fair wind through the day but weaker towards evening. Passed a Dutch ship, numbers of fish about, they call them banitos, apparently they are ten or twelve pounds in weight. Attempts to catch them failed. Some readings from the Ingoldably Legends were given by the doctor in the evening.
- JUNE 7
Light breeze, slow progress, passed another Dutchman he did not like it. They were bound for Singapore the skipper said if he had been in our ballast we would not have caught him.
- JUNE 8
Not much wind. Weather close and warm. Three of our room fellows from Liverpool, larkings or worse, have been getting impertinent for the last few days so we reported them to the doctor. They tried to put the blame on a highlander, another room fellow, middle aged and very quiet, but not succeed and were advised to behave themselves or they might fare worse. Still continuing to torment the old man, they were again reported and are now in irons, about the best thing for them.
- JUNE 9
Getting along slowly. The three prisoners are now released though nor very closely confined. I have got into a little trouble, as soon as darkness sets in, the single women are kept by themselves on the poop, none of the passengers being permitted to see or talk with them. As some of the sailors had scrambled up and were keeping up a conversation, curiosity prompted me to see what was going on, so I climbed up and was promptly ordered down by a ?, I remonstrated but he said the sailors had permission which I did not believe. I asked the doctor and he promised to see about it but instead of taking a straight forward course he must have toadied to the sailors and to regain their favour which he had lost put the blame on a passenger who had asked leave to talk to a sister, the result so far has been abuse which will not last and so far as I can see will do me no harm and the doctor no good.
- SUNDAY JUNE 10
The prisoners have been released on promising to behave. We are now in what the sailors call the variables, about three hundred miles from the equator. It is very variable, the wind seems to blow from every direction and it rains nearly half the time, we progress very little and uncomfortably warm. Worship was commenced but stopped on account of the rain.
- JUNE 11
Almost calm and very wet. More trouble. Mr Watt accused about telling stories about our mess mates was brought before the authorities and asked to verify them, on failing to do so he was warned not to offend again. Soon after Mr Watt was struck in dark one night. I have little doubt who his assailants were but he did not succeed in convincing the
doctor, and accused and accusers were warned not to cause more trouble or they would all be put in irons. A good deal of dissatisfaction exists among the passengers about provisions and Mr Watt has incurred the displeasure of the doctor by taking a prominent part in the effort to get what we are entitled to. He is an Aberdonian.
- JUNE 12
Calm during the forenoon. During the afternoon a sharp breeze got up which we hope will continue, so it is uncomfortably wet and warm. Mr Watt has resigned the position he occupied as schoolmaster.
- JUNE 13
Wind continued till midday, in the afternoon we had rain and little wind. Passed close to another vessel.
- JUNE 14
Wind and rain, fair and calm through the day.
- JUNE 15
Good wind during the day.
- JUNE 16
Good wind continues. Some of the officers seem confident that we will make the voyage in 90 days.
- SUNDAY JUNE 17
Wind good. Passed two ships, it is said we have now passed forty six vessels and none have passed us, though adverse winds have delayed us considerably, is some consolation to know that none of the ships we have seen going our way have beaten us. There is considerable talk about the line (equator), some maintaining we have passed it days ago. I listened to a discussion today one side saying that on our way to the line we were going uphill after we pass it we are going down and will go quicker. If that is correct we ought to know when we cross it by the accelerated speed.
- JUNE 18
We have had a race today, the ships were well matched but before dark we seemed to have the advantage. The sailors went through the rough semi barbarous performance of Neptune coming aboard. It seemed to please some but I did not care much for it.
- JUNE 19
Our yesterdays rival passed us during the night and we had another with her today. We have the best of it again though she is almost a match for us and many of the passengers think she will eventually leave us. We have has a pretty strong wind from the southeast since ten o'clock on Thursday night. Our course is about south so the breeze is rather against us but it is a great improvement on the calm. There is much speculation among the passengers about the trade winds but little knowledge.
- JUNE 20
Passed two more ships. The first death on board, a child, eighteen months old died and was buried in the sea.
- JUNE 21
We are about thirteen degrees south of the line going along fairly well. Temperature getting colder.
- JUNE 22
Nothing new to break the monotony, I sometimes wonder there is no more sickness among us for I am sure if we were confined to a spot of land the size of the ship for as long a time it would take the powers of a better man than our doctor seems to be to keep away trouble.
- JUNE 23
Calm again. Much talk about trade winds. We were said to be in the South East trades during the last week and in a day or two we were to be in the North East winds but no one told us to expect a calm, in fact we were to have no more calms. We are 18 or 19 degrees south.
- JUNE 24
Calm to about nine. A good many whales moving leisurely about, coming to the surface to blow occasionally. These are the first whales I have seen though more have been seen by others. By 10 o'clock the wind began to blow slowly at first but it soon got stronger and we are again making headway.
- JUNE 25
Sailing at a good pace. It was expected we might see land but I saw none.
- JUNE 26
Sailing wee, had a temperance lecture this afternoon. They have about one hundred members in the society.
- JUNE 27
Almost calm, no progress since yesterday. We are said to have gone back twenty five miles, rather discouraging. Spoke a Barque going home.
- JUNE 28
Were I in Scotland should say this was a beautiful day, scarcely a breath of wind to ruffle the water, not a cloud to darken the sky, everything around calm, serene and peaceful, of course there is the usual amount of swearing we are accustomed to among the sailors. I can't say I care much for calm weather, it might be good in some circumstances but I would prefer a good strong breeze to send us to our destination.
- JUNE 29
The wind began to rise in morning and by evening there was a good breeze so we are again making progress. The calms are past.
- JUNE 30
Getting along well.
- SUNDAY JULY 1
Good wind most of the day, heavy rain during the afternoon. There have been many rows on the ship since we sailed though they did not amount to much, but today there was one which could easily have become serious. For some time the second mate and the doctor have been unfriendly, it began on the day Neptune came aboard and had continued since. On Saturday the mate either left off work or was suspended and this morning he could not be found. The doctor who is generally considered to be a coward was afraid to appear while he was at liberty, so he had constables sworn to obedience and ordered them to find him, I don't think they did find him however though he was among the sailors in the forecastle. I rather think if they had found him they would not have attempted to take him from there. Whether he came out and gave himself up or was arrested I know not but soon after he was brought along to our part of the ship in irons and let down into the forehold where prisoners are kept. The Captain who seemed to be either drunk or insensible with passion came along with him and some words were used between them. The Mate asking passengers if they had anything against him and on accusing the Captain of drunkenness the latter asked the passengers if that was so, they could not say. He was protested against the Mate being kept in the hold. After some more accusations on the part of both Captain and Mate it was apparent that most of the passengers favoured the Mate so he was taken up and soon after I saw him on the deck minus the handcuffs. In the afternoon on the doctor appearing on deck the sailors gave him an unfavourable reception, the Mate and Captain also had some words near the store door. Finally the chief mate who is a general favourite and has the confidence of all appeared on the scene, ordered the crew to their work, the Captain to his cabin and took charge of the ship. In the evening the doctor was attacked by some of the crew with sticks. Got some hard blows.
- JULY 2
Today we had a fair wind and made a fine run. I think the best so far. The weather is getting cold. More trouble between Mate and doctor. The Mate says he has sailed with the Captain for three years and never had any trouble, he also says the doctor is keeping him in grog and drugging him. When or how it may end we cannon foresee but is very evident the sailors favour the Mate and the Captain has not firmness enough to handle the situation.
- JULY 3
Getting along well. Some hopes are being expressed that we may reach our destination in ninety days. The doctor had to come down a peg today. The crew sent him a notice that he must beg the Mates pardon or they would punish him. This he did in the afternoon.
- JULY 4
Wind always good. Getting very cold. We are about the same latitude as the cape.
- JULY 5
Good progress.
- JULY 6
Calm forenoon but good wind by night.
- JULY 7
Going seven of eight miles an hour throughout the day. Much more through the night.
- SUNDAY JULY 8
Going along well. Episcopal Service conducted by the doctor. A premature birth brought on by an accident some days ago.
- JULY 9
Good wind still. Passed near a vessel, the first we have seen for some time. The first mate thinks 30 days will see us at Moreton Bay, the second 37, one of the sailors 35, and the butcher 27. I sincerely hope the butcher is right.
- JULY 10
Still going well. Our only comfort is the prospect of an early termination to our journey.
- JULY 11
Sailing about eight miles an hour.
- JULY 12
About the same as yesterday. Albatross, Pigeons, Cape hens and some other birds have been seen about for some days.
- JULY 13
Still similar weather. Two of our miacreants were taken bad on Wednesday, some throat trouble. The doctor tried an operation on one today but he died in the act.
- JULY 14
The other patient is very bad, not likely to recover. We are proceeding fairly well.
- SUNDAY JULY 15
Speed good. The other patient was operated on this afternoon and a tube inserted in his throat but he died in the evening. One was buried on Saturday, they were boys sixteen or seventeen years of age, brothers. The trouble was said to be bronchitis or dyptheria and not infectious. Episcopal service was conducted in the afternoon.
- JULY 16
Moving on at about eight miles an hour. The second patient was out overboard today. The doctor reading the service.
- JULY 17
Scarcely any wind in the forenoon but better in the afternoon when we proceeded about ten miles an hour. Passed a ship going the same way and though we were going slow we left her far astern before dark.
- JULY 18
Speed was kept up well today. Sixteen day is now mentioned as time to Moreton Bay.
- JULY 19
First class run today though the wind is cold we prefer it so that we can get along.
- JULY 20
Last night was very rough, what with the noise of the wind among the sails and ropes, shouting sailors, shifting of trunks and rolling of the ship scarcely any one slept. Most of the men near us getting up to see the sights. The wind was piercing cold with showers of hail, during the day it was better but strong wind.
- JULY 21
Wind lower and sea less rough.
- SUNDAY JULY 22
High wind during the day rising to a gale in the evening. No service owing I suppose to the cold though the small attendance at the Episcopal Services may have something to do with it. The Presbyterian services were better attended but they have not been conducted for some time. Very little difference is noticeable between Saturday and Sunday the principal difference I notice is the absence of cardplaying which takes a lot of time on week days.
- JULY 23
Rather more calm through the day but in the evening the wind rose to a gale and we went along at a good pace.
- JULY 24
Wind very high till evening when it was much calmer.
- JULY 25
Calmer but the Captain seems afraid of squalls as he is not putting much sail up. I like the warm weather better than the cold we are now having, though my health has been very good all along.
- JULY 26
Strong wind all the morning. At midday we had thunder and lightning and heavy rain, in the afternoon, less wind with showers of rain and hail. Spray dashed across the ship causing most of the passengers to remain below. I thought it was a storm but the sailors only laughed and said they has seen no storm. I am inclined to think they would say the same about any storm however fierce after it was passed. Not having much faith in the old Maryborough I don't want to see worse weather than we have had.
- JULY 27
Wind much more moderate. We get more speed from a moderate breeze than s strong one having a calmer sea and being able to carry more sail, it is also more comfortable. There is some talk of avoiding Bass Straits on account of rough weather. If we do it will add some days to our passage. We don't know, we can only conjecture and that is useless.
- JULY 28
Very rough all day, more especially towards evening. We have had good weather most of the way but for over a week it has been very rough.
- SUNDAY JULY 29
Last night was the worst we have had. A good many of the single men not being able to sleep got up and went on deck. They say the sea was worse than after daylight though it may have been the darkness that made them think so the wind not having abated. A good deal of water is coming over the ship and the surf is being blown from the tips of the waves. It was a little better in the afternoon but in the evening the wind blew as would blow its last.
- JULY 30
Calm wind but rolling sea from past winds. More wind and showers of hail in the afternoon.
- JULY 31
Moving on slowly. Might be going faster but for the untrustfulness of the weather which prevents much sail being set. The second mate had not done much since he was put in irons and he is now laid up with, it is said, brain fever for near a week. He has been very bad, sometimes insensible. The doctor has some throat trouble and some of the crew and passengers are also ill.
- AUG 1
Weather about the same. Speed six or seven miles an hour.
- AUG 2
Little difference, rather clearer, more sail up so rather more speed.
- AUG 3
Moving on first rate. Milder weather than we have had for some time. Now hope to be in Moreton Bay in ten days.
- AUG 4
Very rough, wind and rain from north west. Not so cold weather but uncomfortable as on account of spray we must keep below and the ship sometimes rolls so bad that she dips up the water giving some of the more daring a rough time.
- SUNDAY AUG 5
Much calmer again. Still moving some six or seven miles an hour. One of the ships crew had an arm broken by a fall.
- AUG 6
Every alternate day appears to be rough but this is the most disagreeable for besides the high wind, rain and spray to which we are accustomed, the wind is a head one, the first wind we have had since we crossed the line. With close reefed sails the ship is scarcely moving and about midday the wheel was lashed so we are almost at the mercy of the waves, if this kind of weather lasts our journey will be more prolonged than we have been hoping. Towards evening the wind increased to near a hurricane.
- AUG 7
The weather is much better than yesterday. More sails are up and we are going about six miles an hour. There was a rumour that land would be in sight but I saw none. Conjectures are rife about our arrival which some put at under a week.
- AUG 8
As usual this should have been a rough but it is calm and much to be preferred to the weather we have had of late. We would like a little more speed. The second mate was on deck, the first time I have seen him since his illness.
- AUG 9
Moving along four or five miles an hour to about ten when suddenly the wind changes causing a great commotion. Shifting sails and taking some in the afternoon we had a strong wind and rain and were going perhaps ten miles an hour.
- AUG 10
Strong fair wind through the night owing to the uncertainty of the weather the Captain is careful not to put too much sail and we are only doing four or five miles an hour. We have many amateur seamen who think the Captain too cautious. We are now going North East and are said to be about 1200 miles from Queensland. Speculation as to the time we will arrive is becoming rife and a good many bets are being made.
- AUG 11
Sailing north east about eight miles an hour. Fine weather. Some of the passengers are trying to get a testimonial to the Captain and Mates, other are making out a list of their grievances. If both parties get signatures, which no doubt they will, there may be some confusion when we land.
- SUNDAY AUG 12
In the morning we were sailing about six noon four, in the evening nine or ten miles an hour. Testimonials to the Captain, First and Second Mates were brought round for signature. A good many did not sign and a good many did, more than I think ought to have done it.
- AUG 13
Sailing about ten miles an hour. Preparations are being made for the end of the journey. Anchors are being got ready.
- AUG 14
Getting along well, passed four vessels the last one was signaled after which the ships course was changed. We have got up a paper to present to the authorities on land calming compensation for not receiving what we were entitled to under the regulations of the Queensland Government. As was to be expected a good many would not sign. I think it can do no harm and if it does us no good it may do good indirectly to future passengers. A rumour having been got up that land was to be seen in the afternoon it was the principal topic of conversation and groups were to be seen on every place up the masts anxious to catch the first glimpse of it. Who the fortunate individual was I have not heard but between two and three we did not see land. Many sensations passed through my mind on seeing Australia for the first time. This being the first clear day we have had for some time we could see land quite clearly. It has a hilly appearance and towards evening as the sun went down behind them the sky was a beautiful orange colour with here and there a small cloud of peculiar shape.
- AUG 15
Most beautiful sunrise this morning, as the colours varied with the rising of the sun it impressed me as the most beautiful nature I ever looked upon. Through the day we passed a series of low hills, none apparently very large. There appears to be a succession of ranges one behind the other. Many of the hills rising into sharp peaks. We may be about fifteen miles distant from them. In the afternoon we were sailing along some seven or eight miles from land. Apparently a good deal of traffic passes along the coast, we passed some steamers as well as sailing vessels.
- AUG 16
Still sailing abreast of land, passed Mount Warning, 3353 feet high, Cape Byron and Point Danger at twelve o'clock. Were said to be one hundred and twenty miles from Moreton Bay. Great commotion on the ship on the prospect of landing a good many papers and testimonials being got up for different individuals but none for the doctor who has not been by any means a favorite.
- AUG 17
Not many in bed last night, a good many up and down on the look out for the light house on Moreton Island. I stopped in bed till six in the morning and when I went on deck we were not far from the lighthouse. We had been beating about so as not to be too near at daybreak. About eight o'clock the Pilot came aboard and about the same time the wind changed so we had to beat up the bay against it till we got far enough to cross to the anchorage which we reached at three in the afternoon. The entrance to the bay is not very safe for large vessels, here and there unsafe places are marked by buoys. There are six vessels lying four or five miles from shore. One of them is the Rockhampton which left England with passengers about the twentieth of January and landed here on the fourth of June with some disorder on board, in consequence of which the passengers are not ashore yet. She is aid to have called at the Cape of Good Hope for medical assistance. We hear one of her doctors died and another shot himself. A child ten months old died on our ship today. Moreton Bay presents a wide expanse of water, but the entrance from outside is not wide and as we had to come in against the wind it was not too safe, though it would have been less safe with a strong breeze. No doubt in the coming time a good entrance will be provided.
- AUG 18
Still at anchor in the Bay. The child who died yesterday was buried on one of the small Islands in the Bay. The health and another Govt. officer came aboard this afternoon and had a general inspection of the ship. Needless to say the ship has for the last few days had a general cleaning up. In the afternoon the Second Mate and a few of the sailors were taken ashore. The Captain is also ashore. The doctor was presented with the paper of grievances but only asked some questions of the ships doctor and purser and told the man who presented it to lay it before the board.
- SUNDAY AUG 19
A boat came alongside with fresh meat and vegetables, pumpkins, carrots, turnips, potatoes, e.t.c. this morning and we had a dinner of Queensland produce. On Saturday night a child ten months died. A Barque came into the Bay said to be from London, Power laden.
- AUG 20
The child who died on Saturday was buried today on the same island as the last. This afternoon the roll was called by one of the officials, we were then told to have our luggage ready on deck by twelve o'clock at night for transmission to a steamer which was to take us to Brisbane in the morning.
- AUG 21
We were up at bed time in the expectation of getting away to Brisbane early but it was past eight before things were ready. We had a fine sail through a beautiful country up the Brisbane River, here and there a crude dwelling, here called a shantie was to be seen and sometimes four or five of them together near the waters edge, it must be a romantic sort of life. For a good way up the river is wide and apparently shallow. At Brisbane it is much narrower. I could hardly say what is the size river yet. The town of Brisbane is a very lightsome looking place, the ladies are apparently swellish in fact the women are all ladies judging from outward appearances. The men are dressed mostly in light clothes which gives them a lively appearance and both men and women wear hats of a light description. This is said to be the coldest month of the year, during the day when the sun shines I take it to be as warm as the warmest days in Scotland so we may judge from that what summer will be like. Trade is very dull here. Nothing at all doing, crowds going about idle. What we are to do remains to be seen.
- AUG 22
Still no work, things as bad as ever it is said the Govt. may send us up country paying us with rations and sixpence a-day. Today in the Police Court the ships doctor proceeded against the Second Mate and the ships joiner for assault. I was a witness, the seaman got two months the other nothing. Another sailor was fined for striking one of the ship police.
- AUG 23
Still staying in the Immigrants depot. Some other of the seamen were before the Magistrate but after some needling were dismissed. I see no prospect of work. My principal employing is walking the streets.
- AUG 24
A number of the men prepared a paper to be sent to the Governor but it was too late in being sent in.
- AUG 25
This morning the paper was presented to the Governor who promised an answer on Monday morning. There are always some leaving every day, when we came to the depot we were divided into messes of fourteen and when the roll is called tomorrow morning there will be but five left in our mess. A free passage is offered to Ipswich on Monday morning, but as rumour says things are no better there, few have given in their names. Some remark on our treatment on board ship may not be out of place.
According to the Queensland Govt. rules posted up on the ship, the Surgeon Superintendant is invested with supreme authority in everything not connected with the navigation of the ship and is to be responsible for the maintenance of discipline and good order amongst the passengers. He has to see that oppression or unkindness is not practiced towards the persons under his charge, that the full allowance of provisions according to the dietary scale is fairly and regularly served out to them, that there is no unnecessary association with them on the part of the officers and crew of the ship. He has to see that passengers have the required quantity of clothing, to inspect and see that they have been vaccinated, that it has been effectual, and in any doubtful case to perform it afresh, to appoint a certain number of constables and see that they perform their duties aright, to see that the cook and baker do their work properly, to attend to the sick, do all he can to prevent infection in short look after the health and comfort of the passengers in the manner laid down in the rules. If there is not a clergyman on board or one not approved of by the surgeon, it is his duty to read the Church of England service on Sabbath in a convenient part of the ship, weather permitting, and give any other denomination liberty to conduct their worship consistent with the general order of the ship. He has to see that the schoolmaster and matrons perform their duties properly. Now it is easily to be seen that his position is a delicate one requiring both tact and firmness. In my opinion he showed neither tact or firmness and to this want conjoined with laziness instention and rudeness I attribute every disturbance of any consequence that occurred on the ship. From the very beginning he neglected his duty and got the character of caring more for his own ease and belly than anything else, he very seldom visited the single mess end of the ship appearing quite careless whether we got our rights or not, treated very rudely some of the women folks, paid little attention to sick, in short, behaved in a such a manner that the passengers lost confidence in him. How easy it was then for the Second mate having sailors and passengers on his side to treat the doctor as he did. Of course if the Captain had been what he ought to have been he would have kept mate and crew in order but either from want of firmness or want of sympathy with the doctor, he did not do so, hence the result. The ship was very faulty with sleeping accommodation poor and altogether I should not care to repeat the trip. No doubt she was a fairly good sea boat, a good sailor, and a safe ship for cargo purpose, but sadly lacking for the number of passengers she had on board.
- AUG 28
Started work in Queensland Foundry (Camerons) Brisbane. All trades very dull. My brother not being able to fine employment in Brisbane went up country. E. Begg got employment with Mrs Weeks, Bulimba Creek.
MAR 15
Went on a visit to Ipswich.
MAR 21
Left Camerons. No work.
APR 6
In company with E. Begg left by paddle steamer, Florence Irving for Sydney.
APR 6
Arrived in Sydney and went to stay with James Kerser.
MAY 18
Commenced to work on the Panama steamer Kaikouma for the Dock Co. Balmain.
AUG 12
Married E. Begg.
JAN 22
Prince Alfred now on a visit to the colonies arrived by the Galatia.
MAR 12
Attempt on the life of Prince Alfred at Clontarf by O. Farrell an Irishman.
MAR 31
Saw O. Farrell tried and sentenced to death, the sentence was carried out.
Left Sydney the beginning of July and went to Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. Working for a short time in the latter place and about Oct 10 left Melbourne by the S.S. Alambra for New Zealand.
Arrive Christchurch at Canterbury Foundry (Andersons).
Working in the Canterbury Foundry later moved to Lichfield Street fire station with family.
1868
08th January ~ Archibald born Sydney N.S.W. ~ d. 26th February 1895
James and Elsie Frasers Children
1869
20th June ~ John born Christchurch, N.Z.
1870
29th October ~ James Duncan Born ~ d. 11th September 1950
1872
24th Apirl ~ Alison Lovat born ~ d. 14th May 1874
1874
24th May ~ Charles Victor born ~ d. 21st July 1916
1875
16th October ~ William Philip born ~ d. 26th September 1956
1878
24th July ~ Elsie Ann born ~ d. 09th October 1950
1880
10th December ~ Donald Lawson born ~ d. 01st November 1954
1882
10th September ~ Margaret Ruby born ~ d. 21st October 1962
1884
25th October ~ Catherine Ivy born ~ d. 1960
1887
23rd June ~ Alfred Ernest born ~ d. June 6 1915 at Gallipoli.
MARYBOROUGH
FROM GLASGOW MAY 6TH 1866
TO BRISBANE 17TH AUGUST 1886
Captain Evan Davies
Dr Tassell
Matron Graham
No. of souls - 411 = 360 Adults
(Part of the Passenger list)
Begg Elsie 22
Fraser James 26
Fraser Archibald 22
James Frasers Parents and Siblings
| Archibald Fraser | | Margaret Philip |
b.19 May 1805 | | b.20 October 1803 |
| | Drumoak |
d.28 Dec 1833 |
Drumock |
| Margaret | b.15 Aug 1835 |
Alexander | b.19 Oct 1836 |
James | b.17 May 1840 |
Donald | b.5 Feb 1842 |
Archibald | b.9 March 1844 |
William Philip | b.29 Aug 1846 |
James Fraser
Died 28 Sept 1922 from Cerebal Haemorhage & Cardiac Failure.
He died at Rother Street, Oamaru, and was Buried 30 Sept 1922
at Addington Cemetery, Christchurch.
JAMES FRASER married 1867 to ELSIE BEGG;
daughter of John and Ann Begg (nee Fraser) farmers, in Sydney.
Elsie was 23 years old.
She was born in Aberdeen in 1844.
She and James came to NZ in 1869 and Elsie lived all her 41 years in
New Zealand at 41 Lichfield Street, Christchurch, where she died of Cerebral Apoplexy on 3rd April 1910
and shares a plot in the Addington Cemetery with two of their sons, and possibly James her husband.
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