'Echunga' Arrives December 1862

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The "Echunga" Arrives

Departed London 10 Sept.1862 and arrived in Timaru 16 Dec. 1862, 102 days, then onto and then at Lyttelton on 24th December 1862. Landed 121 at Timaru. Total 304 immigrants. Dr Duncan McLean.

Echunga is a small town in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, an area where gold was found. It's an anglicised version of local aboriginal name for the hills. Pronounced 'Eh chun gah' not 'ee chun gah' eh like ay in day like travelling in the ship "Achunga,"

Otago Witness 3 January 1863 Page 5
It is stated in the Lyttelton Times that a considerable number of the immigrants on board the Echunga refused to be landed at Timaru, in opposition to the wishes of the Resident Magistrate, who appears to have stood in the place of the Government on this occasion. On the part of the immigrants it is said that there was no adequate accommodation provided, and that their contract tickets were made out for Canterbury, and did not bind them to be landed at Timaru. It is stated that the barracks, which were supposed to have been provided for these same immigrants months ago, had only risen about three feet from the ground; that tents were being put up only after the landing of the first batch, which took place during heavy rain ; that no drains had been dug round these tents, to carry off the surplus water; that no firewood had been provided ; and that there was not even a proper supply of dry straw for the people to lay down and rest upon. It appears that though the authorities knew as far back as May last that a large batch of immigrant would be landed at Timaru, they were caught on the 10th December almost totally unprepared.

'South Canterbury - A Record Of Settlement' Oliver A. Gillespie, published by South Canterbury Centennial History Committee, 1958. Reports 121 landed at Timaru because accommodation had not been provided for.

ANDERSON
Temuka Leader 7 April 1903 Page 2
An old resident of South Canterbury has passed away in the person of the late Robert Anderson,, whose death occurred at Pleasant Point last week at the ripe old age of 80 years. Deceased was one of the early arrivals at Timaru, where he and his family landed from one of the first direct immigrant ships, the Echunga.

William Blunt (1821 - 73) arrived with his wife and 6 children by the Echunga 22 Dec. 1862. He was a quarryman. He, William Bryant and Joseph Bradley leased the Hoon Hay Quarry from J. Cracroft Wilson. They failed to make it pay and were bankrupt Dec. 1869. (Lyttelton Times 14 Dec. 1869)
William Blunt died 25 April 1873 aged 52. Ann died 23 July 1912 aged 88. Both buried at Barbados St. Cemetery. His wife was Ann Black.
Son William John, 27, gardener, born Glos., England, living in Linwood, married 15 December 1886 Elizabeth Rond, 19, born CHCH, living in Linwood.
Dau. .....
Reference: Macdonald Dictionary

Maria married John Thomson in 1870.

BROSNAHAN
John Brosnahan came out with his sister Margaret from Co. Kerry as full fare paying passengers on the Echunga. The Patrick Brosnahan on board also from Kerry Co. was not related. All three settled in the Levels Plains district. John had a nickname "Peg leg." John named his farm "Aghadoe" after is father's birthplace in Ireland in Co. Kerry. The rest of John's family came on out the barque "Rachel" arriving in March 1865. Also onboard was Tim and Mary Brosnahan and three children, not related but related to Patrick who was on the Echunga.

CRAIGIE
Manawatu Times 17 December 1912 Page 5 Fifty Anniversay
Timaru, Last Night. Fine, through dull weather, prevailed for the anniversary of the arrival of the Echunga, the second direct immigrant ship to Timaru. Twenty-seven passengers, including one born on the voyage, were present from far and near; and the wives, husbands, and descendants made up a party of 120. They had lunch together and spent the afternoon in a social way. Mr J. Craigie, M.P., was invited to be president. His arrival in New Zealand occurred a few years later, but three of his sisters were Echunga passengers (Jessie Craigie, 21 daiymaid, Jane Craigie 17, dairymaid).

Timaru Herald 17 December 1912 Page 4
Of course the majority of those, present were descendants of Echunga pioneers, the actual shipmates present, being as follows:
Messrs Alex Sutherland, of Sutherlands and Mrs A. Sutherland
A. Hancock
T.W. Fyfe, of Timaru and Mrs T. W. Fyfe.
Robert Vallance
Donald McKay of Timaru
John Brosnahan, P. Brosnahan
Miss Hancock, Miss E.C. Hancock,
G. Taylor
Charles Webster
A. Jewell
John Fitzgerald
James Smillie
T. Gellst_.y
George Palmer
Mrs . E. B. Wareing
Mrs M. Tregenning
Mrs A. Sutherland
Mrs D. Burnett
Mrs McKnight
Mrs. M. Gaffaney
Mrs. S_ms
Mrs McGill
Mrs G. Palmer
Mrs R. Paton.
Dr. and Miss McLean sent hearty good wishes for a successful gathering, and regretted that they were unable to be present. Other apologies were received from Mr and Mrs S.A. Rule, Ashburton; James Carter, Sumner (was born on the boat); Robert Irwin (at present in Nelson); T. Adams, Nelson; William Shaw, Oamaru (who wrote that in four months he would be 80) : J.E. Schneider, Christchurch ; L.M. Blackwood, Dunedin: Agnes C. Macalister, Invercargill and J.A. Watters, Dunedin.

Press, 22 August 1927, Page 5
Another of the pioneers of this district, Mrs Margaret Gaffaney, passed away early on Tuesday morning, at her residence, "Belper House," Arowhenua, at the age of 83 years. The deceased lady and her brother left London for New Zealand in the year 1862, travelling in the ship "Achenga," and landing, per surf-boat, at Timaru, on Anniversary Day, December 16th. She was then Miss Margaret Brosnahan, and her parents, brothers, and sisters arrived about two years later. After being in employment for a year, Miss Brosnahan met and married the late Mr Michael Gaffaney, the young couple having to visit Christchurch to get married. They travelled by coach, and the reason they had to go to Christchurch was that only twice a year a clergyman then visited South Canterbury. Mr and Mrs Gaffaney then returned to Temuka, and went, to reside on the farm which the late Mrs Gaffaney occupied to the time of her death, her husband having predeceased her sixteen years ago. There were 14 children of the marriage, of whom ten survive. They are as follows: Mr James Gaffaney (Levels), Mr Peter Gaffaney (Waimate), Messrs Joseph and Leo Gaffaney (Arowhenua), Miss Gaffaney and Miss L. Gaffaney (Arowhenua), Mrs W. Hally (Temuka), Mrs Barron (Arowhenua), Mrs Early (England), Mrs E. McCallum (Timaru). There are 17 grandchildren. Miss A. Brosnahan, of Timaru, the late Mrs Gaffaney's sister, is the last of that Brosnahan family. Mr John Fitzgerald, of Arowhenua, was a shipmate of the deceased lady's, and was best man at her wedding 64 years ago. The funeral took place on Thursday morning at Temuka, and passing the Post Office the cortege consisted of 34 motor-cars and 14 horse-drawn vehicles. A good many more swelled this total at St. Joseph's Church and at the graveside. The Rev. Father Bartley, S.M., and the Rev. Father Spillane conducted solemn Requiem Mass at the church, and the interment ceremony at the graveside. The pall-bearers were three sons, James, Peter, and Joseph, Mr W. Hally, Mr T. Brosnahan, and Mr M. Driscoll.

MR WILLIAM FITZGERALD
Press, 24 April 1912, Page 10 Temuka Leader 23 April 1912 pg3
Mr W. Fitzgerald who died on Monday as the result of injuries received through being thrown from his gig, was born in 1838 at Daragh Farm, parish of Cullen, near Millstrea [Millstreet], County Cork, Ireland. In 1860, in company with his brother, Mr John Fitzgerald, he went to England, and worked in the Woolwich Arsenal until September when he and his brother sailed for New Zealand in the ship Echunga. The ship, came direct to the Timaru roadstead, being the second immigrant ship to arrive there. The Fitzgerald brothers did not land but went on to Lyttelton, where they met their brother Michael, who had arrived some time before them. In 1865 the late Mr Fitzgerald, in company with his brother Michael, proceeded to the West Coast at the time of the gold rush, but having no experience in mining did no good and soon returned. In the meantime Mr John Fitzgerald had come to South Canterbury, and had prospered, having acquired a piece of land at Arowheuna. In 1863 deceased joined his brother, and henceforth both worked together, farming, contract ploughing, fencing, cropping, and so on. In 1882 deceased married Miss Irwin, sister of Mrs Spillane of Temuka and went to live on Daragh Farm, where he died.

MR JOHN FITZGERALD
Press, 19 February 1931, Page 16
The death occurred at Seadown last Friday of Mr John Fitzgerald, a pioneer farmer of the Temuka district, in his 89th year. He was born in Derragh, Cullen, County Cork, Ireland, in 1842. He left Ireland for London at 18 years of age, and worked there for a time at Woolwich Arsenal. He left London in September, 1862, in the ship Echunga in company with 309 other emigrants. The trip took 116 days. On December 22nd, 1862, Mr Fitzgerald and his brother William landed at Lyttelton, where they were welcomed by their, brother Michael, who had preceded them. When John Fitzgerald landed at Lyttelton he had in his possession only 5 pounds. But he had the courage of the pioneers and determination to work hard. For a time he worked in Christchurch as a labourer for one shilling an hour. In 1863 he went with Christchurch bricklayers to Captain McLean's station near Mt. Somers. Later he worked at Mt. Peel. During two years' residence in that district he was in great demand as a guide to those desiring to cross the Rangitata river. On one occasion he carried on his back across the river, Lord Lyttelton whose carriage had become submerged. Mr Fitzgerald left Mt. Peel in May, 1868, and, with his wife (Annie Dodds, of Mt. Peel), took a farm of 34 acres at Arowhenua. On the farm he built a sod hut. Mrs Fitzgerald died in 1916, leaving a family of two daughters and a son. In time the small farm was increased to a holding of 600 acres, of which a large part was sold seven years ago. Before his death he resided with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs T. Buckley. The surviving son, Mr W. Fitzgerald, is farming at Kerrytown, Levels. At the funeral last Monday the wreaths included one from the the Temuka Justices of the Peace.

MR GEORGE FORD
Press, 13 August 1934, Page 12
The death occurred yesterday of Mr George Ford, of Shrewsbury street, Merivale, an old colonist. Mr Ford arrived in Lyttelton with his parents (who brought four young children with them) in the sailing ship Echunga in 1862. He was then eight years old, being the eldest son, and having been born in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, in 1854. His father was Mr John Ford (born in 1822). a member of the well-known Wirksworth family of that name. Mr Ford was educated at one of the private schools in Christchurch, and I afterwards entered the building trade, retiring many years ago. Outside business his hobby was horticulture and his botanical knowledge was very extensive. He did not take part in any public affairs, but he always believed in a high standard of citizenship and set this example throughout the whole of his life. Mr Ford married Agnes Herbert, fifth daughter of Mr John Hankins. who survives him. The family are Miss C. Ford, Merivale, and Messrs A. D. Ford, Riccarton. W. H. Ford, St. Albans, and J. E. Ford, Spreydon.

GILLESPIE
Otago Witness, 31 January 1863, Page 2
A melancholy and fatal accident occurred at Timaru on Wednesday the 14th inst. A party of public works people were engaged in widening and improving the Bench road at Timaru by cutting deeper into the fence; off the cliff near Mr Beswick's store. A huge mass of cliff suddenly gave way whilst a man named Henry Gillespie was in the act of undermining it and before he could escape crushed him to the ground ; when extricated he was found by Dr Butler (the district provincial surgeon), to have sustained such injury that no hope could be entertain of his recovery: all the ribs on one side being broken, besides suffering main severe contusion. The unfortunate man, who was a passenger by the Echunga, lingered between two and three hours, when death put an end to his sufferings; he leaves a wife and infant unprovided for. An inquest, we understand, will be held on the body. Lyttelton Times.

GILFILLAN
Robert Gilfillan was travelling with his wife Marion (nee Finlayson) and two children Jessie and Margaret. Robert died 7 June 1876 aged 48 years and Marion Thursday 31 December 1896, aged 71 years - both are buried in Addington cemetery in Christchurch. Margaret married Peter Duncan in 1866. Children of Margaret and Peter Duncan:
1868 Duncan Helen
1870 Duncan Margaret
1871 Duncan Ann McCrostie Duncan
1873 Duncan James Alexander
1874 Duncan Robert
1877 Duncan Grace

HOARE
Timaru Herald, 6 January 1900, Page 2 [Catherine Hoare]
One of South Canterbury's oldest identities has just passed away at the ripe old age of 95. The late Mrs Patrick Hoare was a native of Kerry, and came to the colony in the Echunga in 1862, landing in Timaru with her husband and two children. Their two sons had preceded them. In those days Timaru was but a name, and the new arrivals had to content themselves with a very primitive camp on the beach. An excavation m the cliff near Bruce's mill served as part of their home for some time. They afterwards took up land at Kerrytown, and Mrs Hoare during her whole life in Canterbury never went 20 miles from her homestead. At the death of her husband about five years ago she went to live with her daughter, Mrs J. B. Wareing, at Woodlands, near Temuka. There she died quite peacefully, retaining her faculties to the last. So strong, active, and intelligent was she that she was able to walk part of the way to Temuka to record her vote at the last election, and she was also able to take an intelligent interest in the last Boxing Day sports. The descendants number thirty-seven grand-children and twenty eight great grand-children. Her remains will be interred in the Temuka cemetery to-day.

Press, 6 January 1926, Page 4
Early yesterday morning the death occurred at her residence Denmark street, Temuka, of Mrs Margaret Wareing, wife of Mr Joseph Wareing at the age of 73 years. The late Mrs Wareing, who had resided in Temuka for many years, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1852. She arrived at Timaru on December 16th, 1861, in the ship Echunga, one of the first ships to arrive at that port. Ten years later she married Mr Joseph Wareing, and they later settled in Temuka. Mr and Mrs Wareing had a family of fifteen children, eleven of whom survive, there being three sons, and eight daughters. There are now thirty-six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The funeral took place yesterday, Requiem Mass being celebrated at St. Joseph's Church at 9 a.m.

New Zealand Tablet, 11 January 1900, Page 20
MRS. CATHERINE HOARE, KERRYTOWN.
I regret (writes an occasional correspondent) to record the death of Mrs. Catherine Hoare, relict of the late Mr. Patrick Hoare, of Kerrytown, which took place at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. J. B. Wareing, Woodlands, Temuka, on January 4. The late Mrs. Hoare, who was a native of Kerry, came to this Colony in 1862 with her husband and two children, her two sons, Messrs. Richard and Denis Hoare, having arrived in New Zealand some time previous. Shortly after his arrival the late Mr. Hoare took up land at Kerrytown, where the family remained till his death, about five years ago, after which the deceased lady went to live with her daughter, where her death occurred at the ripe old age of 95 years. Up to the time of her death Mrs. Hoare showed wonderful vitality, retaining her faculties to the last. She walked to Temuka on the occasion of the last General Election for the purpose of recording her vote, and was present at the Temuka Sports on Boxing Day. Her descendants number thirty-seven grandchildren and twenty eight great-grandchildren. The deceased lady lived a truly Christian life, and her funeral, which took place on Saturday, was one of the longest seen in Temuka. R.I.P.

Press, 8 January 1900, Page 2
The late Mrs Patrick Hoare, whose funeral took place on Saturday at Temuka, was, says the "Temuka Leader," one of the old identities of South Canterbury. With her husband and two children she landed at Timaru from the ship Echunga in 1862. Mrs Hoare, five years ago, took up her residence with Mrs J. B. Wareing, at "Woodlands," near Temuka, where here she passed peacefully away at the ripe age of ninety-five years. Her descendants are numerous, there being thirty-six grandchildren and twenty-seven great grandchildren.

HORSFALL - Spelling variations Horsfal, Horsefall, Horsfell, Horsefald
Horsfall is an old Yorkshire family, who for more than a century past were identified with the wool trade in that Yorkshire. The Horsfall's were the first to introduce steam-power looms into the Bradford trade in the year 1827 an enterprise on their part which led to serious riots amongst the workpeople, during which the mill containing the obnoxious machinery was twice attacked, but successfully defended. They were also amongst the first large buyers of merino wool at the German wool fairs. Ref. Otago Witness 22 March 1894, Page 41

FreeBMD Marriages Mar 1852
Horsfall William * Rochdale 8e40
Nuttall Elizabeth * Rochdale 8e40

Marriage: 29 Jan 1852 St Chad, Rochdale, Lancashire, England
William Horsfall - 22, Weaver, Bachelor, Pinfold
Elizabeth Nuttall - (X), 21, Spinster, Pinfold [Pinfold is a place in Lancashire]
Groom's Father: Enoch Horsfall, Manufacturer
Bride's Father: Charles Nuttall, Weaver
Witness: Thomas Porter; Robert Clegg
Married by Banns by: J. Sheffield, Curate
Register: Marriages 1851 - 1852, Page 208, Entry 416
Source: LDS Family Search
Ref. Lancashire OnLine Parish Clerks

1861 Census: Name: William Horsfall. Age: 31
Estimated birth year: 1830
Relation: Head Gender: Male
Spouse's Name: Elizabeth Horsfall
Where born: Stanfield, Yorkshire, England
Civil Parish: Castleton. Ecclesiastical parish: St Chad
County/Island: Lancashire. Country: England
Occupation: Cotton manufacturer employing 8 hands
Condition as to marriage: mar
Registration district: Rochdale.
Sub-registration district: Castleton Without
ED, institution, or vessel: 6. Household schedule number: 68
Piece: 3035. Folio: 33. Page Number: 14

In September 1862, the barque 'Echunga' sailed from London to Timaru and Port Lyttelton crowded with 332 passengers and a crew of 38. She was only 172 feet long and 36 feet wide. Arrived in Timaru 16 Dec. 1862 102 days. Capt. Cooper. Landed 130 immigrants. The following death occurred during the voyage: Oct. 7, Martha Horsfall, an infant, of acute hydrocephalus. image. Ref.

Children of Elizabeth and William Horsfall born in NZ:
1864 Horsfall Enoch born in Geraldine. Family lived at Raukapuka, a sheep run near Geraldine.
1866 Horsfall Sarah
1868 Horsfall James

August 2 1869 Canterbury Police Gazette
An Inquest was held at Arowhenua, on the 30th June, 1869, before B. Woollcombe, Esq., Coroner, on the body of Elizabeth Horsfal [sic], aged 38 years. Verdict: - Died from disease of the heart.

Why two death certificates? Deaths in NZ
1869/8232 Horsfall Elizabeth 37Y
1869/8235 Horsfall Elizabeth 37Y

The HORSFALL family moved to the Hutt Valley and lived at Petone but left their mark in South Canterbury - Horsfall Rd at Peel Forest, Geraldine. Looking at Papers Past William Horsfall appears to have been a roading contractor who did work for the Mt Peel Road Board. At one point he is given the contract to build a road in Peel Forest which later is referred to as Horsfall's. In the Canterbury Electoral Rolls in the Geraldine District 1876-77 he is listed with 20 acres of freehold land at Waihi Crossing, section 6722.

Evening Post, 15 November 1912, Page 1
HORSFALL: On the 15th November, 1912, at his residence, Tory-street, Petone, William Horsfall; aged 83 years.

William died 15 Nov. 1912 aged 83. Buried Taita Cemetery - Old Section, Lower Hutt. C of E. He was a labourer , a coal merchant, who resided at Petone. Also buried there is Stephen Horsfall, a child aged 2, died 12 Jan. 1910 and Ernest Milford Horsfall died in 1911 aged 32 weeks.

NZ Marriages:
Mary Alice Horsfall d/o Wm Horsfall of Waihi Crossing married Edward Wheely Harris of Ginglie farm, Westerfield, Ashburton, in 1874
Olive Horsfall married Joseph Ibell in 1883. Olive died in 1928, Ashburton district.
Sarah Horsfall married Arthur Patterson in 1886
Enoch Horsefall married Mary Wade in 1888. Died 1930 aged 67.
James Horsfall married Amy Thurston in 1905
James Horsfall married Ada Mary Bishop in 1914

Horsfall, James, SA7445, WW1 13398 - Army. Ref. Archway ArchivesNZ
Date: 5th. Nov. 1915.
James Horsfall, born 23rd November 1869, Winchester, N.Z., engine driver living at 118 Nelson St., Petone, working for Wellington meat Export Coy, Wellington. Religion Church of England. 5'8 Blue eyes, hair light brown, 149 lbs. Served in South Africa, Reg. No: 7445. Sergeant Major, Ninth Cont. North Island Regiment - H Squadron. Coal-dealer Petone, Wellington. Address: 6a York street, Wellington.NOK. Wm Horsfall. Married Amy Marie Thurston, spinster, Registry Office 26 June 1905, place Hodgins. Children:
Clive Horsfall b. 4 June 1905, Petone [sic]
Clarence Horsfall born 4 May 1906 [sic] Wellington.
James Alexander Horsfall b. 6 Nov. 1908 Wellington.

Children of Amy and James Horsfall. Note the delayed registration for Clive and Clarence and the differences in their DOBs compared to the NZ Army records. Ref. NZ BDMs Online
1908/20398 Horsfall James Alexander
1911/3391 Horsfall Ernest Milfird [sic]. Ernest Milford died 1911 aged 8 months. Buried Taita Cemetery - Old
1919/23332 Horsfall Robert Clive. Died 1974, aged 68, buried Taita Lawn Cemetery, Lower Hutt. Born 8 July 1905.
1919/23333 Horsfall Clarence Edward. Died 1984, aged 77. Born 4/4/1907.

Children of Mary and Enoch Horsfall:
1888 Horsfall May
1892 Horsfall Edmond William
1894 Horsfall Joseph Enoch
1896 Horsfall William
1900 Horsfall Alice
1901 Horsfall Olive married Cecil Roy Clarke in 1919
1903 Horsfall Douglas Hector
1904 Horsfall Vera May
1906 Horsfall Winfred Wade
1907 Horsfall Albert Ernest

William Horsfall, s/o Enoch & Mary was b. 15 Dec. 1896 (Wellington), m (26 Feb 1920) Ellen Annie ASTON (aka Helen Hannah). William served WW1 (No 35715, Imperial Camel Corps, NZ Army), d 23 Dec. 1927, buried Servicemen's Section, Karori Cemetery, Wellington.

Auckland Star, 23 November 1926, Page 1 Papers Past
HORSFALL. On October 28, 1926, at the Timaru Hospital, James, dearly beloved husband of Ada Horsfall, and dearly loved and only surviving son of Rose Lindsay (nee Horsfall).

Rose H v. James Horsfall, Divorce Court, Auckland 3 Dec. 1907. Children of Rose Flora Hephzibah and James Horsfall:
1894 Horsfall Clifford Ernest
1892 Horsfall James
1889 Horsfall Olive Sylvina Hephzibah

Timaru Cemetery "Jim"
James Horsfall. Dearly loved husband of A.M. Horsfall died Oct. 28th 1926, aged 34 years.
Late of Albury, South Canterbury, Station Hand.
Wife A.M. Horsfall. [Ada Mary Horsfall m. Thomas Shone in 1930]

WW1 No. 33882 Private James Horsfall, b. 4 May 1892 at Petone. Sugar Worker for Colonial Sugar, Chelsea, Auckland, lived at 171 Albert St., Auckland. Attested Trentham. Commenced duty 19 Set. 1916. A Coy 21st Rfts. Rifleman. Later 3rd Battalion, NZRB (E.L.O.) (C. Coy). Discharged 15 July 1918 medical unfitness. Character good. Died at Timaru Public Hospital. Ca of intestines, intestinal obstruction. Married Ada Mary Bishop, spinster, 29 Sept. 1914, Registry Office.

Horsfall, William, WW1 37515 -Army
Occupation: Sailor, Union Co. S.S.
Religion: RC.
Last address: 84 Vivian St., Wellington, NZ
Born 15 Dec. 1895, Wellington
Father: Enoch Forsall
Mother Mrs M. Horsfall, 5 Russell St, Freeman's Bay, Auckland, NZ.
Brother Joseph: 43311
Private 15 Coy, Imperial Corps.
Enlisted 19/9/1916

HORSFALL, Joseph, [A.K.A. HORSFALL, Joseph Enoch] WWI 43311, WWII 1/22/485 - Army
Seaman C&D Lime, S.S. Coy.
Mother: Mrs Mary Horsfall.
Last address: No. 3 Runnell St, Auckland.
Private, 15 Coy. Imperial Camel Corps.
Born: 7/11/1894
Wife: Rita Horsfall.
1940. Home Defence - Guards Vital Points. Army No. 122/485
Served in NZEF MCG 2 yrs.
Died 1968 aged 73yrs.

INGLE
Wanganui Chronicle, 19 February 1908, Page 7
An old and highly-esteemed settler. Mr. Henry Ingle, died at Marton on Monday morning at the age of 78 years. The deceased arrived in New- Zealand in 1862 in the ship Echunga, and went to Timaru and afterwards carried on farming at Prebbleton, Canterbury, subsequently coming to Wellington, and thence to Heaton Park. Shortly after he secured the "Willow Brook" property near Marton, and resided there until a few months ago, when he disposed of the property and took a residence in town. The deceased, who was born in Knottingley, Yorkshire, in 1829, leaves a widow and grown-up family of six sons and two daughters. The funeral took place at Upper Tutaenui Cemetery on Tuesday, and was largely attended by settlers from all parts of the district.

IRWIN
Timaru Herald, 7 July 1903, Page 2
Another of the old Timaru identities passed away yesterday morning in the person of Mr Robert Irwin senr. Born in County Leitrim. Ireland, in the year 1840, he, with his wife, emigrated to New Zealand in the ship Echunga, arriving in Timaru on the 16th of December, 1862. Mr and Mrs Irwin have resided continuously in Timaru ever since. Up to ten or eleven years ago he was a well-known figure plying his business as a market gardener, esteemed and respected by all classes of the community. For more than ten years he had been closely confined to his room, bearing, however, his suffering with wonderful patience. Many will remember him as a consistent Christian, always ready to help those in distress, and to comfort the troubled. Of his family of five children, two have predeceased him. His widow, two sons, and a daughter remain to mourn their loss.

Colonist 5 December 1912 Page 4
Mr. R. Irwin, headmaster of the Riwaka School, has received an invitation to, be present at a gathering in Timaru on the 16th December, to celebrate the jubilee of the arrival of the ship "Echunga," says the Motueka Star. Arrangements are being made for a reunion of as many shipmates and their descendants as possible. The event is looked upon as a most important one in the history of South Canterbury, Mr Irwin's father and mother were both passengers by the "Echunga," landing in Timaru in December, 1862. Mr. Irwin's mother died towards the end of last year, but his father still survives [sic]. Mr. R. Irwin, senior, assisted in clipping the tussocks off what is now the main street in Timaru.

LEWIS
Timaru Herald, 30 May 1911, Page 3 [b. 2nd Dec. 1830 Catisford, Swansea, South Wales. died 25th May 1911]
The death of Mr Joseph Lewis, of Blannant, Winchester, further reduces the rapidly lessening band of South Canterbury pioneers. The late Mr Lewis was born at Cartersford Farm, Glamorganshire, South Wales, in 1830 and with his wife [Margaret] emigrated to New Zealand by the sailing ship Echunga landing in Timaru in December 1862. In common with other early settlers he had to endure all the hardships inseparable from pioneering. The fording of flooded rivers, the long journeys on foot in pursuit of his daily work, and the rough accommodation, were matters of ordinary occurrence Mr Lewis finally settled near Winchester where he took up land, and has been engaged m farming ever since. He was a man of exceptionally strong and vigorous physique and enjoyed splendid health until the last few years. He took no part in public affairs but was particularly fond of a good horse and being a bold and skilful rider delighted in an impromptu race even when an elderly man. His wife died about three years ago and the late Mr Lewis leaves to incur his loss a grown-up family of two sons and five daughters, two sons having having predeceased him. He was buried at Temuka last Sunday afternoon. A noticeable feature, was the large number of very old residents present. [The farm was occupied by a descent A.J. Greenall in 1990] [Margaret born 6 Sept. 1830 South Wales, Died 23rd April 1908, aged 77]

Timaru Herald, 30 May 1911, Page 5
The funeral of the late Mr Joseph Lewis of Blanant Farm [sic], Winchester, took place on Sunday. A funeral procession comprising about 40 vehicles from Winchester, Geraldine and surrounding district; followed the remains to their last resting place in the Temuka Cemetery.

Press, 18 February 1933, Page 2
MISS ELIZABETH LEWIS. At "Blaunat Farm," [sic] Winchester, Miss Elizabeth Lewis, a very old resident of the district, died on Tuesday. Miss Lewis was born 70 years ago at Swansea, Wales, and came to New Zealand at the age of six months with her parents in the ship Echunga. Her father, Mr Joseph Lewis, took up a farm about two miles from the township on the Geraldine road. Some time after he bought another farm owned by Dr. Caro, and there the present homestead was built. When her father died some years ago, Miss Lewis took over the farm and ran it successfully for many years. Miss Lewis was educated at the Winchester School. On leaving school she attended to the working of the farm, being a first-class horsewoman. For over 60 years she was a valued member of the Temuka Methodist Church. She was an ardent worker and a most regular attendant, driving 12 miles every Sunday. About 55 years ago Miss Lewis was superintendent of the Winchester Sunday School, a position she held for some years. Two sisters, Mrs T. Greenall and Miss Hannah Lewis (Southbridge), and one brother, Mr D. E. Lewis (Hilton) survived her. The funeral took place on Thursday. The service at the Temuka cemetery was conducted by the Rev. L. A. G. Brooke, of Temuka.

McKNIGHT
Timaru Herald, 14 October 1899, Page 2
The death was announced yesterday of an old settler, Mr G. McKnight, who has filled a useful place in Timaru as a corn and hay dialer. The deceased came to Timaru m the immigrant ship Echunga in 1862. For some years he was employed by Messrs Gibson, the chief contractors of the early days, and helped on the settlement of the district by his work on the main roads and then on the railways. About 1890 he commenced business as produce dealer m Quinn's buildings near the railway station and later in Stafford Street South, carrying it on till a few months ago when failing health compelled him to give it up. He leaves a widow, and five sons and three daughters born m Timaru except the eldest son. He was respected by all who knew him.

Press, 27 December 1916, Page 7
Another of the pioneer immigrants to Timaru, Mrs George McKnight, has passed away, at the ago of 75. Mrs McKnight was born in Armagh, Ireland, in 1841, married in 1861, and in 1862 came out to New Zealand in the ship Echunga, the second ship to bring immigrants direct to Timaru. Mrs McKnight leaves six sons, three daughters, 25 grandchildren, and 12 greatgrandchildren.

PALMER
Temuka Leader 7 April 1921 Page 1 RANGITATA.
Another old identity passed away it Rangitata last week, in the person of Mrs Elizabeth Palmer, at the ripe age of 78 years. She left Bristol, England, with her husband and one child, aged 2 years, in the year 1862, taking passage by the ship Echunga. During the voyage, a second child, now Mrs Ford, was born. Landing at Timaru, they found the barracks full and had to live in a tent for some weeks. Mr Palmer got work as a sawmiller at Waimate, and lived there with his family for three years. They then removed to Geraldine township, where Mr Palmer followed his occupation as sawmiller. Sixteen years later, they look up land at Belfield, where Mr Palmer died, leaving a family of thirteen children to the care of his wife. Mrs Palmer, with that pluck for which the earlier settlers were noted, struggled on for many years, eventually amassing sufficient capital to purchase a fine farm of nearly 400 acres at Rangitata. The deceased was a shrewd business woman, and under her control, the family continued to prosper. She took a lively interest in local matters, and worked energetically for the Red Cross during the war. After a residence of 15 years at Rangitata, the old lady began to show signs of failing health, and her death was hastened by a severe attack of influenza about the end of last October, She never rallied, but gradually grew weaker, until she was unable to leave her bed, passing peacefully away on Monday, the 28th March. It was a source of pride; and comfort to her to know that all her family were left in good circumstances, and that her early struggles had not gone unrewarded. The deceased had always been a strong adherent of the Anglican Church, and she expressed a desire to be buried in the Temuka Cemetery where so many stalwarts of the past are laid to rest. The funeral service was read by the Rev. Mr Norris, Vicar of Temuka, who had ministered to her on several occasions prior to her death. Seven sons and one daughter are left, and they were all present at the graveside, with the exception of her daughter, Mrs Ford, who was prevented by affliction from attending. The interment was private, only two or three friends, outside the members of her family, being present.

POWELL
Press, 12 June 1917, Page 4
Mr Joseph Powell, who died at his late residence, 182 Clarence road, Riccarton, on Sunday, was an early Canterbury settler. He was born m Gloucestershire, England, in 1840. In his early years he followed farming, and came to New Zealand in 1862 in the ship Echunga. In the following year he went to work for Mr Pannett at Springston, but soon took up land on his own account from the Crown. This he disposed of to take up a larger farm on the .River Hawkins, but that, too. he sold, and in 1866 he returned to Springston and took up the. Grove Farm at Blandville as the owner of he was widely known. There he conducted a very successful farm, until some- years age he left Springston and settled in Christchurch. Though repeatedly asked to do so. He took little part in public affairs, with the exception of school committee work. Air Powell was married in 1866 to Miss Mary Crump, and celebrated his golden wedding last year. Mr Powell is survived by his widow, 3 sons, and 5 daughters.

RULE
William Henry Rule of Pendarves
Obituary Ashburton Guardian, 16 February 1912, Page 4
There passed away at his residence, Tancred Street, Ashburton this afternoon, one of the oldest and most respected residents of the district, in the person of W. H. Rule, who has been a benefactor of the county in many ways. Among other things he took a great interest in the purification of water, and invented a filter, pronounced by the leading medical men of the world as a great benefactor to humanity. In his youth Mr Rule worked as a gardener for Squire Pendarves, in the district he was born (Cornwall England). At eighteen he became head gardener and had charge of extensive plantations and shrubberies. Having risen as high as possible in that connection, he decided to look further afield and sailed for New Zealand with Mrs. Rule in the ship "Echunga" in 1862. On arriving in the colony, Mr Rule settled in Christchurch and worked for Mr C. W. Turner for seven years in his merchantile firm. About 1877 he moved to Springston, where he set up in business for himself, and for eight years conducted a general store there with great success. Mr Rule then took up 1200 acres of land between Rakaia and Ashburton and went in for sheep raising, calling the name of his station "Pendarves" he greatly improved his run and increased the acreage to 2960 acres and was considered one of the most productive runs in the district....

Schneider
Press, 23 June 1916, Page 8
Mrs Elizabeth Schneider, whose death occurred at her residence, Durham street, on Sunday morning last, was a colonist of fifty-four years' standing. She was born at Carrick-on-Shannon, County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1840, and came to New Zealand in the ship Echunga, which arrived at Timaru on Anniversary Day, 1862. She immediately came on to Christchurch and was a resident of this city until her death. Mrs Schneider is survived by her husband and a grown-up family of five sons and one daughter.

SHEA, Margaret
Temuka Leader 13 August 1932 Page 3 MRS. JAMES DWAN [NZ BDMS has James Dunn m. Margaret SHEA in 1864] [There was a James Duan on board, a passenger]
The death occurred recently of Mrs James Dwan, of Amberley, at the age of 92 years. Mrs Dwan was born in County Tiperary, Ireland, in 1840. She came to New Zealand on the sailing ship Achunga [sic] with Mr and Mrs Sparrow, who intended to settle in the Dominion, but returned after two years. Mrs Dwan was married in 1864 in the Christchurch Pro-Cathedral by the Rev. Father Chataigen, one of the pioneer priests. For some time Mr and Mrs Dwan were with Mr James Innes, afterwards Sir James Innes, of Mt. Brown. Later they acquired a farm at what is now known as Greney�s road. The land was bought from the Government at �2 an acre. They sold the farm to Mr Greney, from whom Greney�s road derived its name. Mrs Dwan and her husband then moved to Amberley, where they bought a portion of the Newlands Estate, at that time owned by Mr L. Douglas, a son-in-law of Bishop Harper. Mrs Dwan lived in Amberley for 60 years, and during her residence there made many friends. She endured the privations of a pioneer�s life with fortitude and unfailing cheerfulness. Her husband, two daughters, and one son died before her. She is survived by four sons and four daughters; Thomas Dwan, sergeant of Police at Temuka; Daniel Dwan, Hastings; and William and John Dwan of Amberly; Mrs Gullock, Christchurch, Mrs Fraser, Waimate; and Misses Kate and Emma Dwan, Amberley. There are 22 grand-children and 14 great grand children. The funeral took place at the Brackenfield Cemetery, on July 30, the pall-bearers being Thomas, John Daniel and William Dwan, sons of the deceased.

Sutherlands railroad goods shed between Cave and Pleasant Point is named after Alexander Sutherland. Reference: 'High Endeavour' William Vance. Published by author 1965. The goods shed is no longer standing.

SUTHERLAND
Timaru Herald, 18 January 1918, Page 5 AN APPRECIATION.
The LATE MR ALEXANDER SUTHERLAND. (Contributed.) On the last day of the old year there was laid to rest in the Pleasant Point cemetery one of the best known of the old-time settlers of South Canterbury, Mr Alexander Sutherland of Sutherland. Better known to his intimates of the 'sixties, 'seventies, and 'eighties as "Sandy, Mr Sutherland was a Highland Celt who felt the call of New Zealand in 1862, and landed in Timaru by the ship Echunga, in company with his wife and a numerous band of Scots who have left their indelible mark in our sub-province. Like the great majority of the incoming Empire builders whose only capital was ambition and a sound constitution, the Sutherlands turned their hands to the work which lay nearest to them, and Mr Sutherland experienced the usual vicissitudes of the first-comers, from working on Sheath's Opawa station to helping to break up the suburban district of Sandietown, in Timaru, which was named after him. Eventually in, 1867 the Sutherlands bought land from the Crown five miles inland from Pleasant Point, that district now bearing their name, and they showed their love for the old Highland glens by naming their homestead "Bailechinch," meaning "the house or home on the hill." It was here at "the home on the hill," that Alexander Sutherland and his wife gave free play to that trait which has endeared them to hundreds of people resident upon and travelling along, the main road leading into the back country. The home was originally represented by a sod house, in the building of which Mrs Sutherland assisted her husband by handing him up the sods, but later, when the farm could afford it, a fine house in stone took shape, and it is tolerably certain that this house has exuded more hospitality to the square inch than any other house in South Canterbury. Parson, swagger, drover and neighbour, all were made equally welcome by the Sutherlands who possessed that somewhat rare characteristic, beloved of mankind in the mass, of making absolutely no different in the hospitality shown to the man of position and that to the swagger off the road. Indeed the writer has heard it often remarked that the greatest affront one could put upon the Sutherlands was to pass their place without calling.
Sandy Sutherland! Sandy Sutherland! you were Highland born hopefulist who swamped your own troubles by thinking of and helping others in trouble -one who thought that the main plank in any Christian's raft was kindness and that that kindness was most brightly represented in open handed hospitality.
Lost, lost to the world is your inexhaustible store of Gaelic songs and Sutherlandshire folk lore. Fading, fading, is your race and generation. T.D.B.

TREGONING, Michael b near Penzance, Cornwall 1832-33 son of Archelus (Miner) & Mary GOLDSERY. Came to New Zealand from the Australian Gold Mines, for the Gold Rush at Gabriel's Gully, Otago. Then went back to Cornwall to marry Mary Jane BOSANKO in 1861 of Redruth, Cornwall, landed at Timaru, ship "Echunga" 16 Dec 1862 & arrived Waimate in early 1863. One of the earliest settlers in Town and District. Road builder, Farmer, Brickmaker. Children: Michael b Timaru 1868, William 1865, Mary Ann (Polly) 1868, Catherine Elizabeth (Bessie)1869 later Mrs G J Shackelton.

From Ballygawley to Timaru : the story of Robert & Elizabeth Irwin and their descendents / Robert Wilson Irwin.
By: Irwin, Robert Wilson, 1939- Publisher: Auckland, N.Z. : Irwin Pub., 2009. 203 p. : ill. (some col.), col. maps ; 22 x 31 cm.
About: Irwin, Robert, 1841-1913 -- Family.
Irwin, Elizabeth, 1842-1911 -- Family.

Thomas Francis Fyfe was a painter who lived at Heaton St., Timaru. His son Tom Fyfe took part in the first ascent of Mt Cook in Dec. 1894.

Shipboard Diaries at the Canterbury Museum.
Passenger ticket, embarkation order and a diary by Wm. H. Jewell are held at the Canterbury Museum archives. The diary can only be read at the Museum Library, and may not be photocopied.

Diary on board 'Echunga' to Lyttelton
Creator: JEWELL, William Henry (1835-1920)
Extent: 1 volume and 15p
Dates covered: 1862 - 1962
Access conditions: No restrictions.
Format if not original: Original and transcript
William H. And Grace Jewell Passengers' contract ticket 'Echunga' to Lyttelton 1 September 1862; embarkation order 2p.

1 folder. Collection includes newspaper clipping from Timaru Herald (18.11.1948) describing Dr McLean's voyage to NZ as ship's surgeon on the Echunga, and his medical practice at Timaru until his death. Duncan McLean, LFPS 1861. Regd under NMO in Timaru 6 Feb 1864; under 1867 Act 14 May 1869: Timaru. Came from Springburn, near Glasgow. Died in Timaru from TB 12 Sept 1871 aged 31. Father of Dr HJ McLean.

Groves, James M: The Echunga Diaries : London to New Zealand by Sailing Ship 1862 (2004) [see www.echungadiaries.com] in index pages 140 - 149 are passenger names. In September 1862, the barque 'Echunga' sailed from London to Timaru and Port Lyttelton crowded with 332 passengers and a crew of 38. She was only 172 feet long and 36 feet wide. The book by James M Groves, is the story of the voyage. It is told through the diaries of two of the passengers - young Cornishmen who carefully kept daily accounts of their experiences. In addition to telling the daily stories of the voyage, this book contains biographical information about each passenger and the crew members. Looks like the diaries are by Wm. H. Jewelland William Henry Rule. Order to embark. Jim died in 2008 in Toronto, his mother was Hazel Groves nee Jewell.

Going to the Colonies By MONA TRACY, Auckland Star 5 December 1936 Page 49
Later that night, when his young wife had been tucked into her hard, uncomfortable berth, William Jewell brought forth a little leather-covered journal, and wrote down his impressions of the day. "I'll do the same every night," he promised himself. He kept his word. Each evening during the hundred and three days which the Echunga took to lumber her slow way out to New Zealand he wrote down the day's events. Seventy-four years have gone by since William and his wife Grace voyaged to Canterbury; yet the faded writing in his little journal tells us every incident of the voyage : tells us, too, just what discomforts and dangers were endured, almost daily, by our great-grandfathers and greatgrandmothers in reaching their land of promise. Not that the Echunga's voyage was in any way remarkable....

THE FLOATING WORLD Auckland Star 12 December 1936 Page 51
Laden with her hopeful company of emigrants the old Echunga got at last out of the chops of the Channel, found the Bay of Biscay no stormier than its wont, and had favouring wind? to carry her to the region of the Doldrums. The emigrants, the first miseries of their seasickness over, began to grow used to shipboard life; in other words, to find their "sea legs." There were calm peas and glorious sunsets. Porpoises played about the vessel in hundreds. Later on whales worn sighted, spouting in the distance. Sea birds hovered in the Echunga's wake, and migrating swallows found resting places in the shroude. Every Sunday in this fair weather there was preaching and hymn singing on the poop. At night the thin strains of a violin or the rougher notes of a concertina were sometimes heard. There was a little dancing, and sometimes jolly games of "oranges and lemons," in which the seamen joined with the men passengers. The grumbling continued, and with good reason. The food was of poor quality and in scant supply. Coffee, for instance, was issued only once in several weeks, while the ration of preserved meat was so small that complaints were made to the captain. The engine for the making of fresh drinking water kept breaking down, and nobody seemed to know what was wrong with it. Then, a great deal of stealing went on; hungry folk were continually purloining stores which belonged ton others more fortunate or more thrifty than they....

GOING TO THE COLONIES III.THE ROARING 'FORTIES. Auckland Star 19 December 1936 Page 49
The ship's doctor was well liked because he was invariably kind to the sick. Like most other emigrant vessels, the Echunga carried A schoolmaster who worked his passage by teaching the boys and girls who were aboard. When in the meridian of the Cape of Good Hope the Echunga ran into a storm, terrifying to the emigrants. Four royals were blown away and the mainsail was split. Rain came down in torrents, and the seas were so tremendous that, despite the Echunga's high bulwarks, they were over 7ft tall, she shipped huge quantities of water. Some of this found its way down through the hatches, and the steerage folk, cowering in their hard berths, were wet through until the wind and the sea went down. The storm continued all through the following day. That night everything below was thrown about by the violence of the seas. Boxes came adrift from their lashings and joined with pots and pans and dishes in careering wildly about. Although the sails were closely reefed down, nobody aboard the ship had any sleep that night....

Land at last! How the cry put new heart into William and Grace Jewell! It was Stewart Island which had been sighted, and the emigrants had visions of reaching their destination, Timaru, within a few days. This, however, was not to be. Another fierce storm caught the Echunga and she was blown off the land, with the seas pouring over her and the steerage passengers undergoing, all over again, the familiar miseries they had thought at an end. But at last the ship anchored in the roadstead at Timaru, 103 days out from Gravesend. There were no barracks for the housing of the Echunga's people. Tents were being erected, but as rain was streaming down and there was nothing on which to lie but wet straw, many people, William and Grace among them, demanded to be taken on to Lyttelton. There finally they landed, emigrants no longer, but immigrants; and to speak of themselves, in days to come, as New Zealanders. THE END.

Timaru Herald, 12 January 1909, Page 2
The following are the names and addresses of the old identities who sent in their names to the secretary of the Jubilee Committee before the list closed on Thursday as having arrived in South Canterbury before January 1st, 1866. Echunga 1862
Mrs Silverton, Mrs Bangefrede, Mrs J. Fyfe, R. McKnight, Mrs McKnight, Timaru; Alex, and Mrs Sutherland, Mrs F. Sams, Sutherlands; D. McKay, Cricklewood; Patrick Brosnahan, Seadown; Jno. Fitzgerald, Arowhenua; Wm. Fitzgerald, Kerrytown; Mrs H. Struthers, Point; Jas. Smellie, Glenavy; Mrs J. B. Wareing, Temuka; Mrs Jane Anderson, Pleasant Point; Jas. Lewis, Winchester. [Anne McKenzie married Frederick Sams in 1864, her name does not appear on the passenger list]

Timaru Herald, 13 January 1909, Page 6
The names of Mr and Mrs Robert Irwin were omitted from the Echunga list yesterday.

Immigrants At Timaru

It is stated that a considerable number of the immigrants on board refused to be landed at Timaru, in opposition to the wishes of the Resident Magistrate, who appears to have stood in place of the Government on this occasion. On the part of the immigrants, it is said that there was no accommodation provided, and that there contract tickets were made out for Canterbury and did not bind them to be landed at Timaru. We have heard it stated that the barracks which were supposed to have been provided for these same immigrants months ago, had only risen about three feet from the ground: that tents were begin put up only after the landing or the first batch, which took place during heavy rain; that no drains had been dug around these tents to carry off the surplus water; that no firewood had been provided; and that there was not even a proper supply of dry straw for the people to lay down and rest upon. We do not vouch for these particulars, though we have no reason to doubt the general tenor of our information, which goes to prove that though the authorities knew as far back as May last that a large batch of immigrants would be landed at Timaru, they were caught on December 16 almost totally unprepared. Under these circumstances if we had been in the position of these immigrants we should also have very firmly but respectfully declined to land.

Lyttelton Times, 31 December 1862, Page 5
The 16th inst., being the anniversary of the settlement, was to have been observed as usual in Timaru, by the annual treat given to the children of the schools, but, owing to the unpropitious weather, and the arrival of the Echunga, it was postponed till Friday, the 19th instant. Owing to the postponement, the children of the emigrants landed ex Echunga, were invited to participate in the treat, who, with the school children, about 75 in number, and the children of the entertainers, raised the total to about 110. At about 3.30 p.m., the school children were marched to a spacious marquee, erected for the purpose, where they were feasted with tea and cake and buns. Scrambles, races, swings, and other games then followed. After which the Rev. G. Foster distributed presents of books to the scholars of the Sunday school, following with a short und appropriate address. The children being re-assembled, sang the National Anthem, gave three, hearty cheers for the ladies, the givers of the treat, and dispersed with their parents, highly delighted with the days proceedings. The parents and friends of the school partook of tea together at 5 o'clock p.m., and seemed thoroughly to enter into the enjoyments of the day.
The Timaru Arrivals.-The emigrants landed at Timaru, by the Echunga, from London, are fast leaving the barracks, having mostly met with engagements. There are only about 20 remaining in the barracks at the present time (the 20th inst.) They seem to be well pleased with Timaru, and glad that they decided to remain behind; in fact, they say that the other emigrants on board who refused to land would not have been reluctant about it could Timaru be fairly seen from the sea; but from the deck of a vessel, nearly, a mile to seaward, on a mizzling day, Timaru does not look prepossessing.

Timaru Herald, 18 November 1912, Page 7 FIFTY YEARS AGO.
THE ECHUNGA PIONEERS. PROPOSED REUNION. In connection with the jubilee of the arrival of the ship "Echunga" at Timaru the committee appointed to obtain .information mot on Saturday Messrs J. Craigie M.P., T. W. Fyfe, A Sutherland, D. McKay and W. G Irwin were present. Lists of passengers names were handed in, and the secretary was asked to write to as iii.inv as were known, informing them that it was intended to celebrate the event in a fitting manner on next Anniversary Day, and asking for the hearty cooperation of all passengers and descendants. Quite a, number of "Echunga-ites" were anxious to re-unite on that date, to talk over the stirring reveiws of the past fifty years, and renew acquaintances with people whom they had not seen since they were carried ashore on the broad shoulders of the hardy boatmen. The committee is making arrangements for a midday luncheon, after which an hour or two will be spent in free and easy sociable way, with as little ceremony as possible. It will greatly facilitate motors if correspondence is addressed to the hon. secretary, Mr W. G. Irwin, Timaru.

Manawatu Times, 17 December 1912, Page 5
IMMIGRANTS' RE-UNION. Timaru, Last Night. Fine, though dull weather, prevailed for the anniversary of the arrival of the Echunga, the second direct immigrant ship to Timaru. Twenty-seven passengers, including one born on the voyage, were present from far and near; and the wives, husbands, and descendants made up a party of 120. They had lunch together and spent the afternoon in a social way. Mr J. Craigie, M.P., was invited to be president. His arrival in New Zealand occurred a few years later, but three of his sisters were Echunga passengers.

Colonist, 5 December 1912, Page 4
Mr. R. Irwin, headmaster of the Riwaka School, have received an invitation to be present at a gathering in Timaru on the 16th December, to celebrate the jubilee of the arrival of the ship "Echunga," says the Motueka Star. Arrangements are being made for a reunion of as many shipmates and their descendants as possible. The event is looked upon as a most important one in the history of South Canterbury, Mr Irwin's father and mother were both passengers by the "Echunga," landing in Timaru in December, 1862. Mr. Irwin's mother died towards the end of last year, but his father still survives. Mr. R. Irwin, senior, assisted in clipping the tussocks off what is now the main street in Timaru.

Timaru Herald, 17 December 1912, Page 4
A gathering of a history making character was held in Timaru yesterday when the pioneers who landed here by the good ship Echunga 50 years go met together - that is to say as many of them as could do so -with sons and daughters and grandchildren, to chat over their experiences of the early days, and to "swap yarns'' over what had happened to them individually since they separated after setting foot on New Zealand -- to make homes for themselves. The gathering was of a very pleasant description and had been well organised by Mr G. Irwin, of the late Mr and Mrs Irwin who came out to New Zealand in the Echunga, and who lived in Timaru practically all their lives afterwards. The prime movers in promoting the gathering were Mr John Fitzgerald, of Arowhenua, Mrs Sutherland, of Sutherlands, Mr T.W. Fyfe, of Timaru, and Mr D. McKay, of Timaru. There were about 120 at the gathering, including people who came from towns and cities a good many miles north and south of Timaru. The actual shipmates present, being as follows: Messrs Alex Sutherland. A. Hancock. T.W. Fyfe. Robert Vallance, Donald McKay, John Brosnahan, P. Brosnahan, Miss Hancock, Miss E.C. Hancock, G. Taylor, Charles Webster, A. Jewell, John Fitzgerald, James Smillie, T. Gaffaney, George Palmer, Mrs J.B. Wareing, Mrs M. Tregenning, Mrs A. Sutherland, Mrs D. Burnett, Mrs T.W. Fyfe, Mrs Silverton, Mrs McKnight, Mrs M. Gaffaney, Mr. Sims, Mrs McGill, Mrs G. Palmer, and Mrs R. Paton.
Dr and Miss McLean sent hearty good wishes for a successful gathering, and regretted that they were unable to be present. Other apologies were received from Mr and Mrs S. A. Rule, Ashburton; James Carter, Sumner: Robert Irwin present in Nelson; T. Adams, Nelson; W. Shaw, Oamaru (who wrote that in four months he would he 80); J.E. Schneider, Christchurch; L.M. Blackwood, Dunedin; Agnes C. Macalister, Invercargill; and A. Watters, Dunedin.
The rendezvous of the big party was the Arcade Cafe. They chatted freely about and with animation of the long voyage out, of the time when they first sighted the most southerly tip of New Zealand, of the rough sea, of the man who was lost overboard, and the other man who died aboard ship, of the eagerness with which they looked forward to landing at Timaru, about the anchorage was a rough and the port not nearly so inviting as it is today; of the coming on board of Captain Woollcombe who endeavoured to persuade all the passengers to land at Timaru instead of going on to Lyttelton as some of them proposed to do. Some there were who would not take the advice offered and they were sorry for it afterwards, as they found that the journey back from Lyttelton to Timaru cost them 3 pounds - a fortune to those who had not as many pence, - even in those early days Timaru had residents who spoke up for it as the best place "this side of the line," and from the late Captain Woollcombe the new arrivals were given emphatically to understand that they could not improve their lot by going to any other part. One of the ladies was heard to remark that she landed as a girl of six, and her chief recollection was of seeing the late Mr Rhodes of Levels Station, go aboard with some beautiful ripe cherries which he had carried in from the Levels on his shoulder, and give them to eat. Another said she remembered this also, and recalled the fact that the donor of the fruit was dressed in white moleskins tied at the knees. The ship's biscuits which had to be soaked before they could be eaten; the tarrirng of the crew. The object of smearing a passenger with a daub of tar was to remind him that he had not given a tip, as money among the passengers was about as plentiful as hair on a bottle, not much satisfaction was extracted out of this little joke. There was talk of to how the Echunga leaving Home with 302 passengers, arrived here with 304, but this was explained by the fact that two births occurred on board the vessel, one within half an hour of the other. One of the two was at the gathering yesterday. Mr Carter was born half an hour after Mr W.G. Irwin. It is worthy to note that not one word of regret was heard all day. Mr Craigie proposed a toast. He was not a passenger but explained that three of his sisters had come out in the Echunga and he described how anxiously news of them was awaited by their parents and their brother at Home. Part of his duties as a lad was to get the letters from the postman and he remembered getting up in the winter time and meeting the postman every morning for a month, anxious to get a letter for his mother from his sisters. At last it came, and he remembered how proud he was on the morning he ran to his mother and was able to say : "Oh, Mither, Mither, here's news from New Zealand." The letter made interesting reading, not only in his own home, but also all around the village. It was no light task to leave their homes as the early settlers did, to go on a four months' sea voyage and land 16,000 miles away. Fifty years ago there were not more than 500 people in South Canterbury; today there were 40,000. Mr Craigie contrasted the conditions in the early days with those prevailing today. Formerly a farmer did well when he was able to replace his dray with a spring cart; later on came the buggy, but today the young people were able to pass them on the road with a mighty dust in their motor cars and soon he suppose they would have the flying machine. (laughter)

Mr Fitzgerald said he was one of those who did not land at Timaru but went on to Lyttelton and worked for two years in Christchurch seven months along the Avon, pulling out nigger heads with the aid of bullocks. At that he earned "s a day and he could have earned more money in the Old Country than he earned here during the first year he was in New Zealand. Hearing from his shipmates down south he left North Canterbury for South Canterbury, going to Mt. Peel where he worked for 3 and a half years. But before he left there he bought the farm where he now resides at Arowhenua. In those days it cost nearly much to fence the land as to buy it, but he struggled along and managed to keep the bailiffs out. (Laughter). He referred to grain growing in the early days and other forms of agriculture, and told how he used to thresh his wheat with the flail. Mr Fitzgerald also told of the voyage out on the Echunga made humorous reference to those who opposed public borrowing for the development of the country, and said that conditions were per cent, better to-day than they were fifty years ago it only the Government would go easy with the land tax. (Laughter).

Mr T. W. Fyfe next recounted some interesting and amusing reminisces. He described life on ship-board in an amusing way and said after landing here he did not think that one of them stopped without, work for a day. He told of the absence of facilities for doing things, and recounted how he had been sent for to do some glazing and painting at the Levels for the late Mr Rhodes. He walked out to the station through the tussock carrying the glass for the windows with him; he painted the place, and he remembered that he came away with pounds_99 in his pocket. His good wife was ready to bear the burden of those early days than many another and in order to complete a good bit of business one day she walked all the way to Geraldine and secured some land which was tor sale there.

The Waterlily's Passengers

Arrived - December 12, barque Waterlily, 595 tons, Bolt, from London, via Nelson Passengers:-
Cabin- Miss Hoskeyns, Miss Cairns.
Steerage- Messrs Smith, Bromwick, Gammon, Barrett, Taafe, Otrance, M'Cann, Moon, Jones, M'Solven.
The barque Waterlily, from London, arrived at Lyttelton yesterday morning, having called in at Nelson to land seven valuable thoroughbred horses, shipped by Mr Robinson, which arrived at Nelson in perfect health and condition. She has made rather a long run, having been 115 days out between the Channel and Nelson. She brings a quantity of general cargo for this place.

Reference: Page 76, W.H. R. Dale Album, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand (W.H. R. Dale Album is a book with newspaper clippings from The Lyttelton Times, passenger lists and voyage reports are in chronological order, photocopying is permitted from this album).

This page may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion, wholly or in part, except for private study.

The "Echunga" Arrives

Immigrants At Timaru

The Waterlily's Passengers