Passenger lists of arrivals into Wellington 1854-1856?
Answers
Hi Lambton
Click this link for the available list SHIPS into WELLINGTON 1839 to 1856
Hello Ngaire,
Can you possibly help me with this " brick wall " of mine please.
I am trying to learn on what ship my great great grandfather James Rickard b.1842 arrived in New Zealand,possibly in Wellington,from his native home of Aberdeen in Scotland.
Since leaving the University at Aberdeen, Scotland, all efforts to track James Rickards movements and arival into New Zealand has been unsucessful. It is not known what date he sailed from his homeland in Scotland, what ship he sailed on or for that matter when he arrived in New Zealand and at which port etc.
We do know however that James Rickard was already living in Wellington, prior to his fiancee, Elizabeth Knowles ariving from his hometown.
But have found through the National Archives, when he arrived from Intention to marry records dated September 26. 1867 .
James Rickard, Batchelor, [ occupation] Turner, [ age] 25 years, [ reside] Wellington [for] 2 1/2 years [ at ] private residence of John McLean, Roxburgh Street to Elizabeth Knowles, Spinster [ age ] 25 years [ reside ] Wellington [ for ] 10 days.
This puts James Rickard's arrival in Wellington about March 1865, but which ship ?. This has yet to be assertained.
Are you able to post a possible link for me to check further of an available list of Ships and their passengers to Wellington covering the period of say 1860 to 1870.Better still if you are able to pinpoint the actual ship and or other details regarding my elusive ancestor,that would be very much appreciated.
Jack Richardson
Tauranga.email tavernside@xtra.co.nz if you would prefer to contact me direct.Thank you.
It is possible that your (Corporal) James Rickard (1842-1873) may have been with the Military, although he was a Turner by trade and it is known that he joined the No 1 Battery, Wellington Artillery Volunteers from the day of their formation in Aug 1867 (see notes below)
Do you known which year he left the University at Aberdeen? He received the bronze medal for art from the Department of Science and Art in 1861, aged 19. Did he stay on a bit longer?
As Elizabeth Knowles (1842-1911 - shown as Knox in Government records) arrived on the 'Asterope' from London only 10 days before the wedding they obviously knew each other in Scotland.
The thing is to now to find his ship but we have narrowed it down somewhat. IF he had been with the military he would have arrived with a contingent. Living in Wellington from 1864/65 doesn't mean he wasn't in Taranaki, Waikato or other provinces during the Maori War prior to that date so ships to other ports will also have to be checked!
James was responsible for the wood turning work carried out on the Old Government building which he did in a building on the corner of Manners Street & Lambton Quay, not far from the building (It was completed in 1876 and until 1998 was the second-largest wooden building in the world)
James died from Necrosis of the Leg & Brights Disease and was buried at Bolton street cemetery
Evening Post, 9 June 1873 W. A. V.
The Battery will parade to Tory-street to-morrow, at 3pm to attend the Funeral of late Corporal Rickard (who was a member of the Corps from its formation till his death). Full dress uniform and side arms. Firing party with rifles. The band to attend. Members of other Corps are invited to be present - EDWARD PEARCE, Captain
Wellington Independent, 11 June 1873
The body of the late James Rickard was interred in the public cemetery yesterday afternoon with military honors. The funeral presented an imposing appearance as it slowly filed along the beach. The Artillery mustered in good strength, under the command of Captain Pearce. The Veterans and Highland Corps were also represented; and a large detachment of the Armed Constabulary, together with a number of citizens, all formed a very large funeral cortege. The Rev Mr Paterson officiated in the absence of the Rev Mr Ogg, who is confined to his room through illness
A great place to start looking at ships lists is at:
Immigrant Ships To New Zealand 1835-1910