Places

Date: 28 Sep 1841-6 Aug 1843

By: Hursthouse, John, 1811-1860

Reference: qMS-1028-1030

Description: This diary includes the last years in England, the voyage to, and his first years in New Zealand. It describes domestic life in England; arranging of passage to New Zealand with a list of items taken; an account of life aboard the `Thomas Sparks', giving a passenger list, and explaining seven weeks spent in Cape Town due to the ship grounding; describes Wellington, house hunting; a journey to Manawatu & then to Wanganui by river; the taking of his family to Taranaki by boat and their settling in Witera. Language - The first two months written in French Quantity: 3 volume(s). Physical Description: Holograph & typed transcripts (32 cm)

Date: 4 Aug 1842-20 Jan 1844

By: Petre, Mary Ann Eleanor, 1825-1885

Reference: MS-1772

Description: Ellen began her diary on board the `Thomas Sparks' in Portsmouth, bound for Wellington with her husband Hon Henry Petre, whom she had married on 6 Jun 1841. She records the routine of shipboard life and her favourable first impressions of Wellington on arrival, 31 Jan 1843. Ellen records the social life of Wellington and the raising of the volunteer militia in the aftermath of the Wairau affray. In Aug she and Henry moved to Petone where they farmed and bred horses. She describes domestic and social activities commenting on her relationship with local Maori. Includes genealogical tables Poem by Blanche? Petre inserted at back Part of SBDD project Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 1 volume(s) (ca 200 pages). 0.03 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph (21 cm; ½ red, orange morocco) `Pitoni Road looking towards town' (ink and wash) is by William Mein Smith. View looking along the Hutt Road from Petone towards Wellington. Also see seperate watercolour by Smith, A-034-005.