Historic Shipping - facts, pictures, presentations on ships from yesteryear; Robert Wigram, Family and Associates - Shipbuilders and Ship Owners Money Wigram & Company - Shipbuilders and Ship Owners The Plymouth Emigration Depot Plymouth Hulks - the forgotten ships around Plymouth Sound, The General Screw Steam Shipping Co. Ltd. The African Steam Ship Company

Lecture to Emigrants at Plymouth.


From ‘The Western Daily Mercury’- 2nd August 1882

Mr. G. Rendle, formerly of the colony of Queensland, delivered an address last evening at the Emigration Depot, to the intending emigrants temporarily staying there, and who are expected to leave this morning in the British India Steam Navigation Company’s steamer ‘Dorunda’, for Queensland ports. There was a large attendance. Mr. S. C. Gant, the depot master, Mrs. Gant, the matron, and Captain T. M. Almond, despatching officer to the Queensland Government, were present. There are four hundred persons at the depot for embarkation in the ‘Dorunda’. Of these one-half are from Lincolnshire and Buckinghamshire; they received their passages from Mr. John H. White, of Grimsby, agent of the Queensland Government. With this latest despatch of passengers, Mr. White has sent to the colony some three thousand emigrants, whose passages have been secured on the free and assisted system. Mr. White, in a few choice sentences, remarked that his listeners were about to seek new opportunities, and were embraced with new hopes. They were going to the colony for a reward, but they would not obtain opportunity, room, reward, without energy – (hear, hear) – without enterprise, without industry – (hear). He impressed upon them the necessity of not being disappointed with first impressions; they would not be able to complain after ten year’s experience – (hear, hear). He wished them God’s blessing, feeling sure it would attend them – (hear, hear). – Mr. Rendle’s address was of a very instructive nature, the audience evincing great interest, seemingly being considerably impressed with his eulogium on the merits of the colony. Mr. Rendle remarked that if those with capital knew the resources of Queensland, thousands would cast their lot with them at once – (hear). They would find working men engaged in the middle of the summer at their labour, as in the old country. He, therefore, did not think they would be off righted at the climate of their future home. They were to live on board one of the finest vessels afloat; they would have one of the best captains, and they had very favourable weather in their departure. He hoped they would have a pleasant passage, and he trusted with Mr. White, they would have God speed – (applause). The people dispersed with cheers for Mr. White, Mr. Rendle, and the Queensland Government.

Back to Home page | Back to The Plymouth Emigration Depot Index
Copyright © Historic Shipping 2011.