Liverpool to Maryborough in 1862 on board The Ariadne

On 5^th June, 1862, the Ariadne set sail for Maryborough Queensland and arrived on 8^th October 1862.

In the 1860’s, while the rest of Queensland was struggling, Maryborough led Queensland as an example of a successful, bustling town.  The challenge facing Maryborough during that time was a shortage of people – as industries such as wool, sugar, timber and mining were labour intensive.

An advertisement placed in the Wide Bay and Burnett Times, on 23 January 1861, by local traders, Melville and Travis stating that they were willing to sponsor British migrants to Maryborough if there was sufficient support from other local businesses and citizens.

By combining their efforts, the businessmen convinced the authorities that Maryborough was capable of taking migrants directly from Europe.

After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to convince authorities to allow ships to tranship migrants to Maryborough, the Ariadne was authorised and chartered to convey emigrants to Queensland.  The contract price advertised for each adult was £15.17.9d for the journey from Liverpool to Wide Bay.

Selection for the full complement of passengers took a month and this was encouraging news to arrive in Maryborough as there were 103 men on board (76 agricultural labourers, 1 herdsman, 5 labourers, 2 masons, 3 carpenters, 1 carter, 9 shepherds, 2 farm labourers, 2 blacksmiths who were also farriers, 1 cartwright and 1 gardener).  Sixty of these men were married and their wives and children added another 95 people to the emigrant list.  A further 61 were single women from the country and their professions varied (4 nurses, 33 servants, 9 general servants, 8 domestics, 4 house maids and 3 cooks).

There were 7 deaths and 6 births during a voyage that lasted 120 days.  Their arrival was hailed as a turning point in the history of Maryborough.  According to the Chronicle,

“For the first time during the 14 years since the town merged into existence has there been any such recognition of our wants and rights.  The day was as fine as it well could be and a general feeling of satisfaction pervaded the place.  Let us sincerely hope that the arrival of the Ariadne is but the precursor of many such auspicious events, and that the good future of those who have now arrived amongst us, will be an irresistible inducement to their friends in England, Ireland, and Scotland, to follow them to this land of sunshine and plenty.  Advance, Maryborough!  And our best wishes for the return of Captain Brown in the Ariadne with a similar freight”.

References

Gassan, KF & Grimes, JA. (1992). Tall ships on the river: ARIADNE, 1862, a turning point in the history of Maryborough. Maryborough (QLD).