"MO spectator," Iliap 10th, 1851
THE CANTERBURY COLONISTS OF 1851
THE founders of the Canterbury Settlement proceed steadily with their work. Their first body of colonists sailed in September last, and news of their safe arrival has just reached England. Since the first expedition departed, consisting of four ships, six have been despatched, carrying in all about 1,800 people ; and on Wednesday last six more ships were exhibited in the East India Docks on the occasion of a public breakfast and dinner given by the Association to the colonists, forming "the first expedition of the main body of 1851." The last of these vessels is to sail on the 18th of June ; and if six more, as is expected, should sail before September. the first year's emigra- tion will amount to between three and four thousand persons. The numbers are remarkable—we believe unprecedented as regards an entirely new settlement ; and, having been present at the fête on Wednesday, we are able to say that the quality has not deteriorated from that of the singular set of people, gentle and simple, who composed the pioncei expedition last autumn. The singularity consists of a marked difference between these emigrants of various classes and those who usually emigrate ; the cabin passengers of the Canterbury colonisation being, in a large proportion, of an order of gentry such as have never before emigrated in considerable numbers, and all the labouring people being not only above the condition of paupers, but so respect- able in circumstances and character as to be furnished with certificates from clergymen and magistrates declaring them to be "among the most valuable persons of their class in the parish" from which they remove.
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