The
Pheney files
Diary
written in 1878 by Frances Pople Pheney on board the ship Dallam Tower bound
for Otago from England.
Transcript
of:
Diary
written by Frances Pople Pheney on board the ship Dallam Tower bound for Otago from
England.
The diary starts
on 1 November 1878 on board ship, the last entry is on 19 January 1879 ashore
after landing at Port Chalmers.
This
transcript was produced by scanning a typed transcript (created some years ago)
into MS Word 2000, and then checking the scanned version against the original
hand-written diary. The original spelling has been retained, and the
punctuation has been followed as much as possible. For ease of reading, very
long sentences have been shortened, sometimes by turning a comma into a full
stop, sometimes by adding a full stop at a logical break point. Paragraphs have
also been used in places where there were none. The aim was at all times to
retain the meaning of the original. There are 2 places, indicated by asterisks,
where the original word was not clear. At other points, the word used was the
one which appeared the best fit to the original writing style, and to the
general approach of Frances Pheney. If there are any really unusual words, they
are probably due to errors in the scanning which have not been picked up during
editing. Where there is mis-spelling, this is probably due to a change in
spelling of words since 1878, or (horror of horrors) an error by Frances
Pheney.
This transcript
was prepared in July 2000 by Rex Sinnott. France Pheney was Rex’s great great
aunt. The line of ancestry is:
Rex Sinnott –
his mother is Natalie Frances Sinnott (nee Jacombs);
Natalie
Sinnott’s mother is Frances Mary Jacombs (nee Howell);
Frances Mary
Jacombs’ mother is Emma Mildred Howell (nee Pheney). She is referred to in the
diary as Milly;
Emma Mildred
Howell is the sister of Frances Pople Pheney, writer of the diary.
Rex’s contact
details:
44 McGowan Road,
Wainuiomata 6008, New Zealand
Phone:
64-4-9707509
Email: rex_sinnott@clear.net.nz or:
rms@zfree.co.nz
There are also
transcripts prepared by Rex Sinnott from diaries written by Frances’
grandfather, Richard Pheney. These cover:
·
Richard’s journey from London to New
Zealand on the ship Eden in 1850; and
·
Richard’s walk from Wellington to New
Plymouth in late 1850/early 1851.
This
document is copyright to Rex Sinnott. It may not be reproduced in any form, or
in any medium, without written permission.
Diary written on
board the Dallam Tower
Bound for Otago
November 1st
I have just
finished braiding my jacket so thought I would write a few lines of my diary,
whether it will come to more than a page or two I don't know. I am not if I go
on as I have begun, a fortnight out today and this is the first attempt I have
made.
I am writing
this outside under difficulties, a camp stool for a table, and the ship rolling
gracefully; I cannot write in our saloon - it is not only too close but so
dirty. We procured a steward after a great deal of talking and enquiring, a
bright specimen he is now we have him, poor man, he has to work 17 hours a day
according to his own account. We think 7 hours ordinary working is as much as
he gets through, the rest he spends in talking; today is the first time that
dirty black floor has been scraped, and now it is only scraped near the door
where it can be seen;-the cups and saucers are hung up as they are after tea,
and wiped in the morning with a dirty cloth. At dinner the plates, knives and
forks are thick with grease, and wet with salt water, the knives are never
clean though he does profess to use Wellington polish. This clean young man
explained to me how he managed. In the first place the water he washes up with
is the same as the salt junk is boiled in — well, he first washes out his tea
towel, (he has only one) then washes the plates and dries them on the towel, so
"they are bound to be clean Miss, you know".
This young man
is a volunteer, that means he is working his passage and is of course obliging
the company. He is going to make his fortune pig-hunting I believe. The rations
have been very bad up till now, everyone has recovered I think so we are
beginning to enquire into the whys and wherefores of things. Today for
instance, the cook sent some preserved potatoes as he called them. Mrs. Shaw
took them to the first steward who showed them to the Captain. In a few minutes
in came a dish of very nice baked potatoes, plenty for us all and some to spare
– not as we had them before, about 1/2 a one each; we had ham and hot rolls for
breakfast, quite a feast, for dinner we had a sauce with ***** capers and
boiled neck of mutton, plum pudding after with melted butter; the puddings are
boiled in a mould with the salt junk. All this feasting was the result of
speaking to the head steward, for we were nearly starved yesterday. It is true
we had stewed duck but stew it was, so tough you could not get the flesh (what
little there was) off the bones, so we looked at it and had some sour bread,
cheese and onions.
Everyone except
two of the Midshipmen are new to the ship, the running gear aloft (as they call
it) is so bad, and a great many of the ropes are brought down in the wrong
places, so that the muddle the company seemed to make on shore is continued
here as you may suppose. I daresay we shall get straight as soon as they know
where all the ropes are and put them in their right places.
The folks are
beginning to look around them a bit. I will now try to discribe the people we
are located with for the next three months, taking the first cabin first. There
is a lady and gentleman with their 10 children. The eldest is 13, the youngest
16 months, all very pretty except for the youngest who is a very peevish child.
He cries night and day much to the disgust of the officers who of course have
only a certain time to sleep. Then there is that auburn haired gentleman (Mr.
Ayrton) you pointed out to me and his sister Mrs. Atkinson, both belong to
Otago. Mrs. A does not approve of the 2nd Class passengers going on the Poop.
The 2nd Class folks are 6 adults and three children.
November 2nd
Since writing
the last there has been such a row that I feel rather shaky. It happened thus;
as we were sitting at tea last night, (which bye the bye we have at 6 o'clock
and dinner at twelve) some thing was said about smoking. Mrs. S. immediately
said she thought it a dirty, disgusting, filthy habit, and Mr. Richardson (that
tall gentleman who came on board at Gravesend) was very much offended, for he a
great smoker, in fact his pipe is never out of his mouth except at meals, but
he had never smoked in the cabin in case it should annoy anyone. Mr. R. was not
only offended but he displayed a temper we did not suppose he possessed, so violent
that he was hardly master of himself. He did not know at first how to be
revenged on Mrs. S. At last he hit upon a plan of annoying her through Mr.
Nicholson, that peculiar young man in the cabin next to ours. Mr. R. first gave
Mr. N. some beer and whisky and left him until it had got well hold of him and
he had gone to bed. He then pulled him out at about 11 o'clock, gave him some
more whisky, pushed him about, and made him swear dreadfully just outside Mrs.
Shaw's door. Of course some of the sailors came to see, that game they kept up
until after 12 o'clock. Mr. Shaw tried to stop them but Mr. Richardson
threatened to black both his eyes if he spoke to him again. The Captain was
spoken to next morning by Mr. Shaw, because they had upset their pails and
things and it had all run into Mrs. S's cabin - how it will end I don't know.
Mr. Richardson
will never forget the insult I believe. He has not spoken to them yet, it will
be very pleasant if they go on like that all the voyage, and we are likely to have
a long one. Although we have been out a fortnight we are not more than 4 or 5
days sail from London. The ship is a good sailer, but we have had head winds
all the time except one day.
I will now
proceed with my description of the passengers. Of the 2nd class you know enough
except Mrs. Cooper and children. Mrs. C. is exceedingly nice, in fact as nice
cabin companion as one could wish to have; she has brought such a lot of
apples, wine and champagne, and makes me as welcome to them as if they were my
own. The children are very nice too, they take it in turns to come up into my
bed for a cuddle. This ship rolls tremendously. The other day our bucket tipped
over, I thought to save the water going on the floor so placed it very
carefully in my basin. With the next roll over it went altogether. Mrs. Shaw's
cabin being the lowest it all ran in there, and wasn't she in a pretty rage. I
thought we should be eaten up without any salt - of course we were very sorry
but it was an accident that happens very often on board ship I should think. I
know I had a nice treat to mop ours out after breakfast.
The 3rd
cabin passengers are rather a funny set. There is a Mr. & Mrs. Charles who
are poorly but nice people. Mrs. C has attached herself to us — her husband who
is much older than she is waits on her hand and foot; there is a Mr. &.
Mrs. Garson with three children, (Irish) would be aristocrats that don't mix
with any one. There is also another Irish family, 7 in number, the children are
very rough. The rest are all single men, 5 in number, 3 are paddies - of course
they mess together much to the disgust of the two Englishmen In Ireland fists
are more useful than forks. There is a regular farmyard round me as I write,
sheep, pigs, ducks and fowls, all taking an airing. We ought not to begrudge
them a little more space for a time, but really they are a nuisance - they make
the decks so nasty. There is plenty to laugh at on board and will be more bye
and bye I have no doubt.
I will now tell
you of the Captain and Mates. The Captain is a nice fatherly old gentleman, he
never speaks sharply to any one not even the men, but always in a quiet firm
voice yet very kindly, he does not say very much. Mr. Barrow, the 1st
Mate, is pleasant but very strict, that stout lady who went on shore in the tug
with you was his wife; the second Mate is a Mr. Pankhurst of Hastings, it was
his sister-in-law you took such a fancy to, he lost his mother about two months
before he came on board; Mr. P seems very nice but quiet at present, it is
early days yet; the third mates name (now don't laugh) is "Enoch
Odling" - you will no doubt remember that short man we took for the
Pilot's assistant - that's the man, he has lived in N.Z, for years and knows
Cobbs coaches very well. He has some land at Wellington, and a nice little mare
that will carry a lady. Mrs. C and I have many a laugh with him and walk too
when the ship does not roll too much. Mr. O has a concertina which he plays
very well, (so does the cook) I daresay we shall have some singing by and by.
Nov 3rd
Last night we
had a dance on deck, to the music of the concertina played by the cook, and a
cornet by a third class passenger. I danced with the third mate, Mrs.C with an
aristocratic looking sailor, it was nearly dark. The next morning Mrs. Cooper
could not make up her mind which one it was; we tried to get Mr. Nicholson to
dance the Polka, but his feet were too heavy and his legs seem to dangle as if
they did not belong to him.
The sailors seem
a very decent set of men, they were all sober when they came on board, and now
there is no chance of getting tipsy, there is not a drop of rum on the ship.
The Captain is a teetotalar.
I forgot to
mention part of the inhabitants of the 2nd cabin, in the shape of cockroaches.
I sleep with my mouth shut now, but the other morning I woke up spitting
something out of my mouth. It was too dark to see what it was I thought it best
not to enquire. It is a wonder my pillow does not walk away for when I move it
in the morning, I disturb about a hundred. I wish I could scetch. I would show
you some fine sights, Mrs. Cooper's partner of last night for instance. They
are washing the decks and are attired accordingly. I must leave off now, this
is Saturday and I am going to scrape out our cabin, don't you wish me joy.
The wind was
very cantankerous last night — as soon as the sails and stunsails were set,
down they had to come and the yards to be squared, our position is lat. 37 W
long 15 S. The 3rd Mate wrote me out an account of last night - here it is;
light variable winds and fine weather. 0.30 P.M. wind veering round to the
north-east, squared our yards and set the fore topmost studding sail, on the
starboard side, 9.30 wind hauling round to the southward, hauled the stunsail
down again, and braced the yards on the Port tack 10 o'clock wind backing round
to the northward and settling into a steady breeze.
We were very
dissipated yesterday I think I drank as much as three or four glasses of old
port wine. It was Mrs. Cooper's sister-in-law's birthday so we had wine and
cake, that is Mrs. Charles, Mrs. Cooper, the 2nd mate and 3rd mates (who are
great friends of ours), and myself. In the evening we tried to get some more
dancing but the decks were too wet. About 1/4 past 8 the 2nd and 3rd mates,
being off duty, brought some wine and we stood around the capstan and had a
nice little chat till 1/4 to ten. I felt rather inclined to try someones cap on
but did not.
November 4th
I was very tired
last night after my Saturdays cleaning, and this morning I am so stiff I can
hardly move; we had church again this morning, the Captain read a sermon out of
A Leisure hour I think, from the text "Do as thou hast said" 17 Sam 7
Chapter 25 verse. We had no singing.
November 5th
last night we
had the lanterns outside the cabin and had some fine singing, my Moody and
Sanky coming in very handy. It is the only one with the music on board, the 2nd
Mate has a fine voice, we sang till my voice was nearly gone; there is to be a
concert tonight I believe, Mr. Shaw being the conductor and general director.
There will of course be a programme written out - if I can get it you shall
have a copy.
There is a talk
of my setting up school for some of the children. I don't know if it will come
off. We have seen several ships, one homeward bound with two masts gone. We can
see Madeira in the distance but very faintly, no chance of going ashore.
November 6th
Our concert was not
a great success, in the first place it was wet and the folks were shy and did
not come until very late. In the second half. that very agreeable young man put
a stop to it at eight precisely. He was so sharp that one of the sailors who
was singing at the time left off in the middle of a word. To spite him we
passengers sang several songs at the top of our voices.
Today I finished
making my jacket as far as I can. It wants a bit of fringe at the bottom. I am
the only link between married people and children. The folks consequently take
notice of all I do and who I speak to. I expect I shall get finely teased -
they began already. There is a ball on
tonight I believe.
November 7th
The Ball fared
worse than the concert but not from the same cause. The musicians did not seem
inclined to play anything but a polka. I danced that for ever so long with one
of the sailors (such a nice dancer).
Today I
commenced some of my lacework. I don’t seem to take very kindly to it but I
shall have to do it; I can't read, I have not read one book since I came on
board, though I have made several attempts. There has been plenty to look at
today in the shape of Whales. They came very close to the ship and we had a
very good sight of then.
November 8th
Ten o'clock last
night we were going 11½ knots an hour. Today we are going about 7. When we
catch the trades they expect to go 13 or l4 won't that be fine? I have been
doing a little dressmaking this morning, anything for a change. It is getting
rather warm but I am still wearing my green dress and flannels. I shall feel
the comfort of leaving then off bye and bye. I have opened two pots of jam. One
I was obliged to use for the pot was literally smashed to pieces tho’ it held
together till I got the jam out. We are allowed jam once a week so I shall have
plenty. I have not opened my biscuits yet. The sailors are very busy this last
two or three days putting up new ropes.
November 16th
It is a week
today since I wrote the last. The weather has not been favourable for writing
outside and I really can't write inside. I should be stewed, the heat is
dreadful in the berths. You may be sure we do not retire very early. You know
how I take the heat, everyone else is to be seen mopping their faces and
fanning themselves. The last three days the ship has been turned into a huge
wash—house.
We had some
tropical rain, something like a water spout let loose so all hands have taken
advantage of the soft water to wash all their "togs". Of course we
were not behind hand and very soon had the cabin hung full of towels and
handkerchiefs. We have seen several ships homeward bound but we were running
too quickly to send letters on board- we must wait until we are becalmed. The
cottons are all come out. I have worn mine three days and it is dirtier than a
weeks wearing on shore.
The provender
has not improved. They seem to be short of everything but salt junk. A sheep
died the night before last of what disease I know not, but I do know that it
was cut up yesterday morning and given to the 1st and 2nd cabin to eat. We
declined. The 1st cabin knew nothing about it until afterwards. There was a row
about it, the steward declared he and the cook killed it but the cook had
nothing to do with it. Yesterday afternoon the remainder was thrown overboard. I
don't think we shall have any more dead sheep for dinner.
As for the milk
we have some dirty water to put in our tea (which is no better) and none for
breakfast. We used to have plenty of bread but now we have it when we can get
it. The dirt is not on the decrease rather the other way. Mrs. Cooper and I
have taken to washing our own cups etc. We enjoy our meals the better for it
for though we wash in cold and the steward in hot water we can always get the
grease off and he can't (strange but true).
Our bunks are so
large that we only used three so last Saturday we pulled the top one (mine)
down and got the carpenter to put up a shelf instead. We then nailed up a lot
of pictures out of the Band of hope review and taped the looking glass in
muslin, bound the edge of the berth with red cloth put a curtain up to hide the
washing stand and with two or three other little arrangements we shall be very
comfortable and look very nice.
We expect to be at
the line on Sunday. Tomorrow (Saturday) the lead horse is to be worked I
believe.
November l8th
Yesterday was a
day of adventures. We were first hurried up to see a shark that was caught and
of course we afterwards partook, (a piece the size of a bees knee;) the next
excitement was a row at dinner. They sent us for dinner salt junk, biscuits,
cheese and sago pudding which last was mixed with fat off the grease (salt) pot
and it stank. Accordingly we had biscuit and cheese and sent the pudding into the
cabin. After dinner the Captain came and he decided it by saying if we were not
satisfied we had better draw our own provisions and make them up ourselves -
just what Mrs. C. and I had been wanting. But Mr. and Mrs. Shaw would not agree
to it and the Captain had forbidden the steward put it out separately so we got
in a nice fix. We did not know what to do. At last we took them and with a pair
of scales belonging to Mrs. Cooper we measured out Mrs. Shaw's and we have
taken the two single men and are going to do for them. The first result of this
arrangement is that I had a proposal at the breakfast table this morning. One
of the gentlemen not knowing what he should do with his provisions he told two
or three people last night that he should get a wife then she would cook for
him. Accordingly at breakfast he asked me if I could cook. I said I could
manage it I daresay.
"It is no
use for you to get married if you don't" he said.
I said
"No".
I was going to
ask you to marry me he said. I will go and ask the Captain if he could get a
ring and marry us!
You will no
doubt guess who it is - that nice looking gentleman who came on board with his
brother. We had a laugh about it you may be sure. The wedding was to have been
today but after considering it until dinner, I told him I was exceedingly sorry
to wound him but I must decline his offer.
We began our
first cooking this morning in the shape of hot rolls and plum pudding. We made
them all before breakfast and had a bath as well (that we have every morning).
We turned out at four bells (6 o'clock), they all turned out very well for a
first attempt. There was one thing about them which made up for any slight
deficiency there might be, they were clean!
Last night we
had the dead horse put up for auction. The sailors got a pound for it. There
was only two out of every dozen on board who had seen or heard of it before, it
caused a deal of amusement seeing this thing drawn up to the yard arm with a
man on his back. I should like to have gone up myself, I am afraid I feel
rather wild I quite long to go up the rigging.
We had church
this morning, the sermon was from the same text as the last sermon I heard at
Pimlico though it dwelt on the second verse rather than the first. It was the
7th and 8th verses of the last chapter of Galatians. We sang two hymns this
morning; the Captain is a chapel man.
There is a
homeward bound speaking us for our longitude (the New Orleans).
November 19th
I made a loaf
this morning and it turned out beautifully, better than the baker makes it; we
get on very well with our new arrangement at present. We know everything is
clean and we can do what we like with it. We don't get any fresh meat but that
we must put up with, ve have plenty of the tinned; we had porridge for
breakfast but no one would touch it but Mrs. C. and I.
This morning at
1/2 past 9 o'clock we crossed the line. We have not been becalmed yet for
longer than an hour or two. We go along on an average from 5 to 11 knots an
hour so we shall in all propability reach our destination under 90 days. I am
thinking of staying there for a few months at all events, and longer if it is
not convenient to go farther, or I find I am doing well there.
November 20th
We are still spinning
along but the ship is so on one side that it is as much toil to dress in the
morning as it would be for you to whitewash a ceilling. I have cut out another
cotton, being the third since the hot weather commenced. It is fitted and
stitched and the buttonholes nearly made. My accomplishments are numerous. I
turn my hand to any thing — making pastry, mending boots, carving boats or
picture frames & varnishing, cutting tobacco and striking the bells. My
friends are numerous. I can have almost any thing I like and have any thing
done for me.
November 21st
More bread this
morning but I don't know how it will turn out; we are to have soup and boulli
for dinner. I wish you could see the moonlight, it is splendid. We can see to
read by it quite plainly.
November 25th
The time has
passed so very quietly the last three days that I have not troubled to get out
my desk to write about it. On Thursday and Friday evening we had dancing.
Though we are just under the sun we enjoy it very much. I dance with one of the
sailors, a very nice dancer. It does not give me a chance of seeing how any of
the others dance for he is sure to be at hand directly the music begins – that
is if I am there. Sometimes I am otherwise engaged, talking to the second mate.
The carpenter
has made me such a nice chopping board with back and sides and string to hang
it by. I shall keep it against I go into housekeeping, so we can make pies and
cakes or anything our provisions will run to.
We have come to
the end of the first week of cooking for ourselves. We find it very comfortable
and we have given entire satisfaction to the two young men we do for. I make
all the bread. It has all turned out very well - flour and th*** rum to having
hot cake for tea about twice a week, rolls and bread every other day which last
is set to rise in the aproved style namely, under the pillow. We have besides
pies, puddings and other little messes.
The moon has
been splendid but it is going down now so we have some dark nights again I
suppose, but not very dark for the stars give almost as much light as the moon.
The southern cross will be visible soon, it is now but not until 4 in the
morning. I don't get up quite as early as that. I cannot settle to my lace
work, so I have taken to knitting a stocking for one of the third class people
just to learn. We shall have Sanky and Moody tonight, we generally do on
Sunday.
December 2
Sunday again. So
little happens now that I thought I would leave it all to write today, so as to
have more time for needlework, or cooking or cleaning as the case might be. At
the beginning of the week we had a very sharp squall. The rain came down
beautifully and the sea rolled mountains high. The sailors looked like drowned
rats with nothing on but a shirt and pair of trousers, which they could wring
the water out of when they had finished. On Wednesday night it was rather rough
but Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Charles and I took a walk up and down of course on the
weather side when over came a big sea and gave us a nice wetting. Mrs. Cooper
fell down on her back but did not hurt herself.
The next day the
sea still continued rough but Mrs. C and I were not to be done out of our walk
nor our wetting either for a sea came over and drenched us. It swam along the
deck and wetted me up to the knees besides washing my head for me. I stood in
the sun to dry with no hat on (I have not worn mine more than six times the
last month) and got my face sunburnt as I stood talking to Mr. Richardson and
drying myself I had another wetting and another after that — so there was three
baths in one day. However I would not put anything dry on.
On Thursday was
the third mate’s (Mr. Odling) birthday. Our cabin was the reception room. Now
just shut your eyes and look on this picture. Of course you know the size of
our cabin, just remember the alteration I told you of a while back and imagine
it put all nice and straight fit to receive gentlemen in; at eight bells the
company came. Nine people sitting inside and five outside on the table and
form, some with coats on and some without in all sorts of attitudes partaking
of cake (made by Mrs. Cooper and one of the nicest home-made cakes I have
tasted) and sherry and gin with lime juice mixed in it. That with a little
water and sugar is a very nice drink; my bed was the table and the chopping
board with a white cloth over it was the tray to hold the plates and glasses.
Mrs. Cooper was hostess and entertained the guests until about eleven when the
third mate, Mrs. Cooper and I went on deck until twelve. The dissipation did
not stop me from getting up and making my bread the next morning. I have not
had a failure yet but of course I may. I had some difficulty in setting it the
other night, the ship was rolling so. Yesterday I made a pudding and I left it
on the board while I got my cloth and string. The ship rolled, the basin
slipped off and turned upside down on the clean deck. It was very nice when it
was cooked.
It is colder
again: we are in a line with the cape I believe though a good distance from it.
We had some nice hymns this morning "Sun of my soul" and "Guide
me o thou great Jehovah" but I can't sing very well unless I unbutton my
dress - it is shrinking.
December l6th
A fortnight
today since I wrote before, but you really must excuse me. It has been so cold
and the ship rolling so, that I have not had the courage to sit down long
enough to do any writing. The order of the day now is as soon as the domestic
work is done to fly up and down the deck if you can or if not slip down. I have
fallen down several times, but I am glad to say I have not hurt myself at all
yet tho’ I may say my left foot is so painful again. Mr. Jones did not cure it.
I find it is so swollen sometimes in the morning that I can't get my boot on
for a little while. It worries me rather because it being so cold I want a good
deal of exercise to get warm and that is not easy when your foot is painful and
swollen.
There is very
little news to tell up till yesterday except that the weather has been very cold
and that we have had a good deal of small rain which is unpleasant enough at
home when you have a good fire, but here, with no fire and always exposed to
the air, it is very dreary. However our spirits keep up remarkably well under
the circumstances for we are always laughing and singing. We all look so well,
brown and rosy and fat except Mrs. Cooper and the children. They are well but
they don't seem to get fat.
Now for
yesterday it was a day of mutiny. It was my morning to cook and as usual we had
rolls for breakfast. Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Richardson do not get up to
breakfast until we have nearly finished as a rule so Mr. N was afraid he should
not have any roll. He sent out for it. I was at the table so sent his breakfast
into him. Presently out he comes with his roll squeezed up in his hand and a
piece taken right out of it, swearing and calling us all manner of names saying
we cheated him out of his allowance and never gave him any thing to eat, which
is a story as every one says for when he has had his fair share at the table if
there is any left we always gave it to him to clear up; he was so nasty over it
and insulted us so that we both declared we would not cook for him. So when we
took the stores in the afternoon Mrs. C and I made some bags for him, put his
share into them and gave them to him. It has made him very wild. He is always
declaring he will go to the Captain and make us cook for him. He went to the
Captain yesterday because he said we had not given him his fair share. The
steward was told to weigh them and found them over weight.
December l8th
I was obliged to
finish up there on Sunday as I had other duties to attend to, in the shape of a
drop of hot water which as you know is a luxury not to be neglected on board
ship.
Our row has
settled a little. Mr. Nicholson manages to get his things cooked for him and
above all his flour is turned into bread for him by the baker who will of
course expect something for it which I am afraid he won't get for Mr. N. has
only 8/6 with him and some of that he will spend at Christmas.
I forgot to tell
you that on Friday we had half the fore upper-top-sail blown away. It was as if
it had been cut with a knife. Up went the men and cut the rest down. The next
morning the starboard watch brought up another sail out of the hold (at 3
o'clock) and bent it on the yard or commenced to. The Port watch relieved them
at 1/2 past 4, half an hour after the proper time. I think you would agree with
me that they do not hurry themselves on board this ship either in turning out
or in boutting ship which takes them three times as long as it took the men on
the Hydaspes to do it.
On Saturday
there was slight mutiny on board. The Captain ordered the brass work to be
cleaned on the Poop after six o'clock. The men refused to do it at that
unreasonable hour. Accordingly he logged them. Now it appears he wants then to
work from 5 in the morning until 7 at night which of course is five hours over
the usual time. Wether they will be obliged to do so or not I don't know.
Last night we
had another small shindy. Mr. Richardson got very tipsy and tumbled down giving
himself a black eye. The first mate had to come and put him to bed. Mr.
Nicholson lost a pair of trousers, braces and a sock and a hat. Of course no
one knows where they are. I think some of the men must have taken them for a
lark for the things were dropping to pieces and very dirty.
Today has been a
day of excitement rather, icebergs are visible - one large one came to within a
mile of us I should think. I wear my ulster so continually that it got so dirty
I was obliged to wash it yesterday. It is drying in the galley now as it has
been rain all day today and oh! so cold! but I don't wear a hat. I can't be
bothered with one, only just at churchtime. As soon as we come out off it comes
again; it has gone 4 bells (10 o'clock) so I had better turn in. I am writing
this on our dining room table with the ship rolling and the lamp swinging so
that sometimes I can see and at others I can't so under these distressing
circumstances you must not be surprised if all the words are not quite straight
— goodnight.
December 30th
Now I suppose
you would like to know how we spent Christmas on board. I will tell you as well
as I can remember; we had some very rough weather before Christmas, the ship
was rolling terribly. We of course expected rather a treat getting the dinner
ready. However it was a very nice day indeed; the cooking came to me, also on
my birthday, on the Saturday before. I went as usual to see the stores were out
and I talk very nicely to the steward and got him to give us some extra things
such as spice peel and a bottle of fruit. So our dinner on Christmas day was
roast leg of mutton, preserved potatoes, plum pudding a proper one, (almost as
good as Granny's) with brandy sauce and all on fire, then mince pie. After
dinner Mr. 0, Mr. R, Mrs. C, the two children and myself had some desert and
wine and champagne that was Mrs. Cooper's - saved all this time and very nice
it was to. Mr. Pankhurst could not come - it was his watch on deck.
I forgot to tell
you we had a small party the night before from 6 to 8. We had intended having
it on Christmas night but Mr. and Mrs. Shaw had complained to the 1st mate
about the 2nd and 3rd mates coming in and out and had made such a fuss that it
is all very quiet. The Shaws had their dinner at the table and retired to their
own cabin for the rest of the day. If they had made themselves agreeable we
should have had a nice party in the evening and had some singing, but never
mind, perhaps it was well though it was not very lively being at loggerheads
with any-one at Christmastime; in the evening Mr. Richardson went to visit the
people in the 3rd Cabin and came up or was brought up about 1/2 past 10 tipsy -
not able to pull off his own clothes. The Boatswain and one of the sailors put
him to bed. Of course there was a complaint made to the Captain next day by No.
l as we call the Shaws because theirs is the 1st Cabin in the row.
The Capt. came and spoke to Mr. R who then got up and made a complaint to the
Capt and said that Mrs. Shaw had been drunk all the week which of course was
untrue. Mr. Shaw heard of it and wasn’t there a row. The mop was picked up by
Mr. S who attempted to strike Mr. R. The Capt. had to come and part them. I was
at the table making pastry and of course had the full benefit of it all; in the
evening of boxing day Mrs. Cooper had a plate of snapdragon for the children
and two of the third class. There again we could not have all the children as
No. 1 would sure to have complained. To give you an instance of how nasty they
were – Stirling, (one of the Apprentices) a very nice lad and one whom all the
ship have a good word for came in while Mrs. C and I were making the pastry on
Christmas morning and said Oh this smells something like home Mrs. Cooper. He
stayed a few minutes but he was very quiet. In the course of the day Mrs. Shaw
asked Mr. Odling as a personal favor to speak to him about coming in there as
she would not have it. If he did not do so she would have to speak to the Capt;
On my birthday — my 21st birthday - I shall forget it in a hurry.-We woke in
the morning the ship rolling fearfully. All the box under the bed came out and
slid from side to side on to Mrs. C who was moping up the floor, as the bucket
had turned over and the basin of course; over went the bucket again with all
the dirty water in off the floor. This time it went flying into the passage — I
beg its pardon the dining room — and all the day 1ong the sea was very high. It
came sweeping over the decks and in at the door, so that was the amusement I
had nearly all day dabbing, up the cold water and wringing out the flannels. Of
course I have my hand covered in chilblains through it, I am very glad to say
they are not very painful, those on my feet are better ever since I put them
into hot salt water and gave them a good rubbing.
On Christmas Eve
"Jo" the second steward got so tipsy that he was not able to work the
next day. The consequence was we had to go without and we have done so ever
since. Our bright youth is laid up with a bad foot, he is not shaming, his foot
is very bad and our place looks very much cleaner and with less noise than when
we were continually telling him to do it; Mrs. Shaw never attempts to do
anything in the clearing up line except her own plates but we don't mind that
if she will only mind her own business.
Another fine
Sunday — we have only had one bad Sunday since we left the Channel, have we not
been favoured. I think I must be
getting fat inwardly, I can't sing for want of breath. I don't know what else
to put it down to. Washing day tomorrow if it is fine enough.
January 7th
(Monday)
Only fancy, we
do not expect to spend another Monday on board as we shal1 most likely sight land
on Friday next. Everyone is looking up their things and putting away all they
don't want. On Saturday the hold was opened so I got a hat out to go ashore in.
I don't know how I shall get on for a dress. I am afraid to fasten my grey one
in case it should break away. I must let it out I suppose somehow.
New Years Day
was very quiet, we had the last of our Christmas fare - the rest of the plum
pudding. On New Year's night we stayed up till 12 and heard the bell ring in
the year. It was very nice but very mild. The first mate did not ring the one
in the poop in case the Captain might object. We are going through that very
pleasant process — being painted. Of course I must help so sometimes I take a
brush and assist. I sent Stirling on the poop for a small brush one day. The
Captain gave him the one he was using; five minutes later he came down and saw
me using it. He only said "Well Miss Pheney are you trying your hand"
We are having
the most delightful weather you can imagine - beautiful sunshine every day. The
wind is rather cold sometimes but that is all. The other evening I amused the
folks by walking up and down the deck with the big Irishman as we call him – a
man about 6 feet 6 or 8. I must have looked like a shrimp beside him and I am
not small I assure you. People are always telling me how stout I am getting. I
am always having compliments paid me on the colour of my cheeks so you may know
that I am very well. Indeed I have seldom a spot on my face. What a mania
people seem to have for cutting their hair.
On Sunday
morning when I went out to prepare the breakfast I had quite a shock, the 2nd
Mate who had a very thick head of hair and wore it brushed up in the front had
had it cut close to his head and looks just as if he had been sentenced to six
months hard labour. I can't think why folks will make themselves look such
frights. I must now close for tonight and go and make my bread ready for the
rolls in the morning. I have not done any lace work, it is too fidgeting
especially when you have to keep swaying from side to side to keep ourselves
straight. One gets so tired. That is one reason I shall be glad to be on shore
for to be able to sit still for a little while.
January 11th
(Friday)
Great
excitement! Land just visible like a cloud on the horizon. I must stay to write
much because I have my box to pack. It is as well to be ready to go shore as we
are going about 13 knots an hour. We have been going l6, is not that good. This
is really a splendid ship to sail. The more she is going the steadier she
seems. I had a talk with the Captain last night about going to Wellington. He
says he thinks I shall be able to stay in Dunedin for three or four months if I
like and then go on to Wellington with the same ticket should I feel so
disposed. It cannot make any difference to the Company that I see, whether they
take me on now or later on. Now for my packing - perhaps I will write some more
bye and bye.
January 12th
Saturday night 9
o'clock. Great excitement prevails all
over the ship. Mrs. Cooper and I were up at 5 this morning. It was a splendid
morning. We proceeded slowly along round the different headlands looking at the
houses, cliffs, fields and anything fresh there as to be seen as we passed by:
in the afternoon the Pilot was seen approaching. Of course there was no
settling until he was safely on board and had been properly stared at together
with his boats crew two of who were Maoris and one a chinese; the Pilot had no
sooner put his foot on to the poop than down came a storm, thunder, lightning,
hail and wind. Oh how it did blow. Away went two staysails and a Royal; the
wind blew so that we could hardly hear ourselves speak. The mates and men must
be hoarse with shouting and bawling. I was so anxious to see what was going on
aloft that I stepped off the grating outside the door on to the deck and down I
went knocking down that big Irishman I spoke of before in my fall. It seemed to
amuse the folks. They all laughed but did not offer to pick us up. At present
we are riding at anchor, the tug not being strong enough to pull us in tonight
I believe; both watches have been on deck all day, they will be glad enough to
get to bed tonight I should think; Mrs. Cooper thought she was going on shore
tonight but she is dissapointed. I am sorry too, she had so made up her mind to
it.
January 13th
(Sunday)
The wind has
continued too strong for us to venture in until this evening. They have just
started to heave up the anchor. How I should like to help. All the men
passengers are at it - however I must go and look on, so adieu. I thought I
would just tell you what I was doing while you were sleeping.
10.30 P.M. The tug has had us in tow this last hour
and is taking us in in fine style. I wish it had been daylight so that we could
have seen the shore as we went in. We shall anchor about two miles from the
port to unship the powder so we shall have plenty of time to see what it looks
like by daylight in the morning. The anchor is just dropped as I write this so
we shall be at rest for tonight I suppose.
January 15th
(Tuesday)
Here we are on
shore. How fortunate I am to have found such kind friends. Mrs. Cooper's Father
and Mother have taken me in until I can hear from Uncle and look round me, it
is such a nice little house. Oh! so clean and light everything looks after the
ship. I have been twice into the town and I am going again this morning. It is
a treat to look at the shops again, but I would forgo all that and more to be
at sea. I did not like leaving the ship at all. Mrs. Cooper and I are going on
board again to see the folks before they start.
January 19th
This is our
first Saturday on shore. Mrs. Cooper and I have been doing a little marketing,
and quite enjoyed it after being so long without seeing any shops. They have some
fine buildings here and some still in progress, mostly of stone. Some of the
houses though built of wood are very pretty. They seem to invite you to come
and live in them and such pretty gardens in the front. There is the Botanical
Gardens we have not seen yet - open free every day until sunset. We sha11 most
likely go there tomorrow. I think I will bring this diary to a close and
continue all the news in the letters which you hope to recieve and I hope to be
able to write every month. I hope some day to be able to read a diary written
by Milly and yourself on the voyage out. I can only hope that you will have as
pleasant a passage as we had and as quick a one.
This diary you
will of course show to anyone who you may think may feel interested in my doings.
I hope I have written it distinctly- Please excuse any mistakes you may find
for some times the ship was rolling so that I could not even spell properly.
Now goodbye with love and good wishes to all, hoping you have found pleasure in
reading this volume.
I sign myself
Frances Pople Pheney.
