31 July 1859

July 31st. This morning we was aroused early by a squall having come on us rather sharply which had shivered the two fore gibb sheets and a third after dinner. Her rolling more than usual and a little extra noise on deck got a few of us out before the accustomed hour. The morning was showery, the breeze strong and the sea heavy until about sun set after which the breeze settled a little and we sailed more pleasant after although the evening was dull and like more rain. The state churchman did not hold a service the weather being too heavy. About service time in the evenings shower of rain came and cleared the decks and rendering our service a matter of doubt for a short time but as it soon blew fair, G Hayter got up and spoke a little on the Gospel ship.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

3 July 1859

July 3 - Awakened about eight bells (midnight) by a great uproar on deck. Got up and found it to proceed from the sailors, who had come aft in a body to get their grievances redressed by the captain. The complained of having too much work and getting too little food. They said they would not work any more unless they got more and better food and watch and watch [sic]. The captain ordered them off, and told them to come to him during the day with their complaints. They were after a whilw induced to go away, principally by the exertions of the first mate, who the captain blamed (wrongly, I think) for setting them on. Some of the passengers very foolishly interfered in the quarrel, for on the captain and mate having some words, one of them called out "Three cheers for the first mate" which were duly given. When the captain remonstrated with them for such conduct another called out, "Throw the b___ overboard." The purser then came out, and after considerable exertions managed to get them below, where the was much excitement, some going so far as to say that the captain should be deposed and the mate put in his place. The captain here came down and asked what they had to complain of. After a great deal of talk not much to the point, the captain said he could assure them, that if they would bring a case before him of anything wrong, he would do all he could to rectify it, at the same time saying that it was not in his power to interfere much with them or ill use them in any way, as he had the Act of Parliament to walk up to.

Our Voyage to New Zealand Per the Tornado (by a Glasgow Emigrant) Glasgow Herald December 19, 1859

3rd. This is a fine sabbath morning. The clouds o'erspread the skies to shield us from the heat and a nice breeze with its fanning wings makes our position more pleasant than it has been. The special favors bestowed on our voyage we are not backward to say either in private or public are attributed by us to a praying people and a prayer answering god. We held our class but as our singing was complained of we had reading in the 6th of Romans and the 91 psalm and a fellowships meeting which was acknowledged to be good. The churchman held his morning service on the poop or quarter deck amongst the gents. Poor attendance. He gave the second edition after dinner on the main deck. Worse attendance. In the evening Bro. Manners spoke from Corinthians now are we ambassadors for Christ in which he contrasted the literal and spiritual ambassadors, showed up some of the advantages of reconciliation, explained the terms on which it is proposed and their practicality and urged all to embrace them. Several found great fault with Hayter being so fast as a clarke (?) but in reference to the sermon, some saw one from him was worth more than ten from the clerical man. About noon today a sail appeared in sight and being the first for the last ten days. It caused quite a stir.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.

19 June 1859

June 19 - A nice little girl, who, with her parents, came in the Princess Royal from Glasgow, along with us, fell through one of the hatches on the quarter-deck into the intermediate - a descent of nearly twenty feet - but, happily, having fallen on her feet, she sustained but slight injuries, and I was glad to see the little thing running about the same as usual in a couple of days afterwards.

Our Voyage to New Zealand Per the Tornado (by a Glasgow Emigrant) Glasgow Herald December 19, 1859

19th. This morning was dull and cool but fine. The breeze continues at a steady rate. In the afternoon not so good a breeze. This morning we held a prayer meeting on deck. All went well except that our Wesleyan friends were very nervous and asked for the meeting to be closed without their exercising. After dinner we held a class meeting in our mess room but was again interrupted by the Captain's order. In the evening we commenced singing again and in a few minutes the Captain came and in a very dogardly way ordered us to desist. At this Hayter who was giving out the hymn asked for a reason for his conduct, reminding him also that he had in private given us permission. He gave
no reason save that we have already had two services from the churchman and he thought if one was not plenty no number would do. That is a poor lean sickly soul who only wants one meal in a week.

Booth, Thomas. Papers, 1857 - 1859. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 2002/56.