More Info →Shipboard Diary

Description: Diary written by third class steerage passenger on the 'Ionic', sailing from Gravesend and Plymouth in England to Wellington and Port Chalmers in New Zealand. The writer departed from Plymouth on 6 December 1884, with his wife and children (Esther, baby and others). The writer is unidentified but there is the name 'Mr Cole' written on the inside back cover and according to shipping records a Mr Cole and family departed on the 'Ionic' on this date. The diary begins with a list of provisions, followed by daily entries about shipboard life. The diary finishes on New Years' Day 1885 before it reaches New Zealand. The 'Ionic' reached Wellington on 20 January 1885 before proceeding to Port Chalmers. Transcription also available on Manawatu Heritage.