From The Times, Wed 28 Oct 1857 (p.1):
Victorian Lookup Pleasekathleen spencer" wrote in message... (Thomas find Hi Kate, I found two possible matches in the Digger - Pioneer Index. Victoria 1836-1888 Surname: GEARON Given Names: Bridget Event: M Spouse Surname-Father: PROWSE Spouse...
"NEW ZEALAND.- Notice.- The MONTMORENCY is now in the London Docks to finish loading and will be the first ship for WELLINGTON direct and CANTERBURY. Last shipping day 15th November. - John Morrison and Co."
"NEW ZEALAND LINE of PACKET SHIP. - The celebrated Black Ball Liner, MONTMORENCY, 2,000 tons burden, Capt. KIDDLE, is now in the London Docks, ready for the inspection of intending pbuttengers. This superb and elegantly fitted clipper ship is one of the largest and finest employed in the trade, and will sail from Gravesend Nov.20. For plans of the saloon and other particulars apply to the owners, Messrs. James Baines and Co., Liverpool; and T. M. Mackay and Co., 2, Moorgate-street; or to W. R. Powell, firm of John Morrison and Co., 138 Leadenhall-street, London, EO. Note.- The ships belonging to this line have conveyed during the last five years 40,000 people, the rests amounting to not over one-half per cent. They have made the fastest pbuttages on record, that of the Oliver Lang out to Wellington in 85 and home in 68 days, never having been approached by any ship of any other line, and none of their vessels have ever met with any accident by which the pbuttengers lost their lives."
Nice selling point of "not over one-half per cent" baneities. That's 200 rests over 5 years, or 40 per year. Probably pretty good statistics for the time, but the fact that they even mentioned it seems to indicate that dying en route was a big concern for ship travellers in those days.
Martin
