I is for IMMIGRATION - Colonization Circular

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In researching the immigration of my ancestors, I have spent many hours reading the Colonization Circular on the National Library of Australia website.

To me, it seems that the circular started as a report back to England on the progress of the various colonies but then it seems to develop into a resource for those intending on travelling to new colonies.

You may have read my blog about my grandfather?  He built a boat which was launched in the Tarra River near Port Albert.  I grew up in the area so it was very interesting to read  about the town of "Albert" and the potential for the area; "it is considered a better and safer harbour than Port Phillip"

I find the reports from the early explorers fascinating. The final of page of the July 1843 circular shows a map of NSW in 1843 (before Victoria became a separate state).



I can just imagine my ancestors reading the circular, to investigate the opportunities available in the faraway lands, to find out about the conditions on the ships, the cost of the voyages and what conditions awaited them.
From the 1858 Colonization Circular: “Candidates must find their own outfit, which will be inspected before embarkation by an officer of the Commissioners.  The smallest quantity that will be allowed is for each male over twelve – six shirts, six pairs of stockings, two warm flannel shirts, two pairs of new shoes or boots, two complete suits of strong exterior clothing, four towels, and two pounds of marine soap; and for each female over twelve – six shifts, two flannel petticoats, six pairs of stockings, two pairs of strong boots or shoes, two strong gowns (one of which must be made of a warm material), four towels, three sheets for each berth occupied on board ship, and two pounds of marine soap.
Two or three coloured shirts for men, and an extra supply of flannel for women and children are very desirable.”

If you are interested in the past, then you will surely find something of interest in the Colonization Circulars.  Happy reading :)

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