BRAVING THE SEAS (1)
MIGRATION is sometimes a sticky subject, but we are all descended from wanderers. Our planet was populated by small groups of early humans who were born in Africa, but left to spread their progeny around the world. Those who remained were nomadic huntergatherers whose lifestyle required constant movement.
The 19th century was the high point of organised British and European migration. More than 22 million people are thought to have left Britain to settle abroad during the period 1815-1914. Most headed for North America, but 10.5% went to Australia and New Zealand and 3.5% came to South Africa. They didn’t all thrive and significant numbers returned home.
Planned British immigration to South Africa occurred in several waves, the best-known being the arrival of about 5000 settlers in 1820. This was not the largest influx. About 12 000 assisted settlers landed at ports during the period 18571862, some of whom later relocated to Australia. They came from all parts of the British Isles and were transported in 32 purpose-built immigrant sailing ships, most of which were reasonably clean and well organised. They were packed in tightly, however, to the detriment of modesty and privacy.
The ships generally had three passenger decks, plus spaces for cargo and baggage. Officers and paying passengers were lodged on the quarterdeck, recreation was confined to the main deck and eating and sleeping took place in the betweendeck area below. This area was partitioned into three compartments, one for single women, one for married couples with or without children, and one for single men, who usually slept in hammocks.
Bunks made of rough boards were arranged in two tiers along the sides of the ship. Large vessels had an extra row in the middle with small corridors on either side. Family sized bunks were wide enough to accommodate two adults and three or four children. The best location was amidships, where the ship’s movement seemed less violent. Berths were provided with mattresses consisting of clean straw stuffed into coarse linen covers. Passengers were issued with one blanket each, but had to bring their own pillows.
Tables and benches occupied the remaining spaces, and immigrants were told to form groups of 24 who would eat together and share the duties of collecting rations, serving and cleaning up. People from similar backgrounds supported each other as they struggled to adapt.
Each ship carried a surgeonsuperintendent tasked with maintaining order and preventing friction during the 10-to-12 week passage. He had the power to punish or discipline anyone who disregarded the rules or prejudiced the safety of passengers or ship.
More next week.