FIFTY YEARS AGO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 13979, 8 February 1909, Page 5

FIFTY YEARS AGO.

PASSENGERS BY THE WILLIAM WATSON. Fifty j'oar3 ago, namely, on Tuesday, February 3, 1859, the good ship William Watson dropped anchor in the Auckland Harbour after a voyage of 110 days from Gravesend. The vessel was in charge of Captain Macfarlane, who was no stranger to the port, for much of his early life lwi been spent on the shores of the WaitemaU. He was, moreover, a relative of the late Mr. Macfarlane, of the firm of Henderson and Macfarlane, merchants, Queen-street. The number of immigrants on board was 130. One lady had died during the passage, Mrs. Fitzgerald, a native of Wiltshire. The ship was medically in charge of Dr. Robert Hale, an experienced surgeon, who had seen active service in the Crimea a few years previously. Shortly after arrival tho doctor and his family removed to Wairoa South, where farming pursuits were engaged in, and where tho doctor subsequently died. Mrs. Halo survived her husband many years. Some of her descendants arc still living in the vicinity of the old home.

Besides those there are other passengers by the William Watson still living, including: Mr. and Mrs. T. Barnaby (Kingsland), Mrs. Peace and Mr. H. G. Ogle (Archhill), Mr. T. W. Dowaon (Kaiwaka), Mr. F. G. Clayton (Coombos' Arcade, Auckland), and .Mrs. Clayton, Mr. Ash ton, land agent, (Auckland), Mr. J. E. Smith (one of the oldest mine managers at the Thames), and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Littin (Kaiwaka).