In October 1907 James Charteris was living in Epsom and working ‘canvassing for Auckland Orphans Home’. On most weekends he delivered sermons for Primitive Methodists, alongside his eldest son James ‘The Boy Preacher’. It was time to bring the rest of the family over from Scotland, and his correspondence to request their assisted passage is in the National Archives, Wellington.
Writing to the Secretary of the Emigration Department on 16 October, “I am desirous to get my wife & family & my wifes mother out to The Colony. Therefore I make application to you for your reduced fare system, if you will be so kind as grant this favour, I will be able to send for them shortly.”
Two weeks later William Kensington, Under-Secretary replied to James, C/- Mr Watkinson, Wapiti Avenue, Epsom, advising that the request was unable to progress as “passage money has to be paid in the Dominion prior to assisted passages being granted” and that James’ relatives would need to communicate directly with the High Commissioner in London, who “determines suitability of applicants”.
On the 5 November 1907 James (now C/- John Daisley, Maramar Avenue, Epsom), sent £37 and 10 shillings to the Immigration Agent, for Jeanie, five children, and her mother to emigrate from 649 Old Shettleston Road in Glasgow.
Christmas and the New Year passed, James wrote again ‘can you give me any information as to when my wife in Glasgow will receive the tickets to come to Auckland…they have had no word from High Commission in London, if you can, you will do me a great kindness. Yours Humble Servant.”
The response from ‘your obedient servant’ F.T. O’Neill for the Under-Secretary, was prompt but unhelpful, “there has not yet been time to receive advice from the High Commissioner for New Zealand, as to the departure from London or Liverpool of your wife and children.”
Just over two months since James sent the fare, Jeanie was aboard the S.S. Surrey with children Wesley, Beatrice, Nessie, Norman, Albert, and her mother Agnes, setting sail from Liverpool on Saturday 18 January 1908.
Captain Corner sailed the Federal-Houlder-Shire (F.H.S.) liner ‘direct’ via Capetown (16 February) and Hobart (14 March), passing the most western point of the North Island, Cape Maria van Diemen, on 11.15 am on 21 March, then another two days down the east coast to Auckland.
On 23 March 1908 Jeanie and family stepped ashore, their journey to reunite with James and James on the other side of the world, taking over two months.
References and reading
Daily Commercial News and Shipping List. (1908, March 26). The F.H.S. liner Surrey. p. 4b. trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/158849102
Evening News (Sydney). (1908, March 24). The steamer Surrey. p. 6d. trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114102807
From: James Charteris, Auckland Date: 19 October 1907 Subject: Passages for wife and family [Jeanie Charteris, John Wesley Charteris, Beatrice Charteris, Minnie Charteris, Norman Charteris, Albert Charteris]. (1907-1908). Immigration Department, Head Office. Archives New Zealand Wellington repository R24710010. collections.archives.govt.nz/en/web/arena/search#/entity/aims-archive/R24710010
Livermore, William. (1898-1904). [Photograph]. SS Surrey. University of Otago Hocken Collections P2000-021/1-0905. hocken.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/53855
New Zealand Graphic and Ladies Journal. (1908, July 8). The progress of Auckland City – substantial buildings on the water front. p. 19. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19080708-0019-03. kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/145887
New Zealand Herald. (1908, March 25). Police Court News. Too late for dinner. p. 5. paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19080325.2.17
New Zealand Herald. (1908, March 28). Shipping. p. 1. https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19080328.2.3.1
Poverty Bay Herald. (1908, March 21). Telegraphic shipping. p. 4. paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/PBH19080321.2.20.3
Sladden, Bernard. (c. 1886- c. 1961). [Photograph]. Cape Maria van Diemen, Northland. Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga City Libraries Ms 33/5/305. paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/nodes/view/53096