Voyage Diary of Bartholomew Duffy (1912) on the S.S. Irishman

Bartholomew Duffy was the husband of Ada Burgum (born 1881) of Bolton, Lancashire. This diary was supplied by Pam Sheers (HH091) of Australia and is printed as close as can be deciphered of Bartholomew's writing and spelling. The only changes are of the Gulf of New Guinea to Gulf of Guinea; otherwise it is as written by Bartholomew on the journey from Liverpool to Melbourne from 15 March to 14th May 1912.


Friday March 15th
Set sail on S.S. Irishman, White Star Line, bound from Liverpool to Melbourne, got aboard by tender Magnetic about 12.00pm, everything strange, found our bunks. Ada and Annie in Room 163, all in Section F. Dinner served about 2.00pm, whilst having dinner the ship started her voyage, hardly any motion discernable, spent the rest of the day looking for luggage, and settling down, then tea, and went to bed, satisfied and tired.

Saturday March 16th
Up early and on deck, Splendid sailing during the night, saw the last of Ireland, and plenty of ships about, sailed well, but went off food after dinner, the weather getting unsettled during the night.

Sunday March 17th
Very stormy, we are in the English Channel, rough sea, cross wind, severe storm in the afternoon, one of our lifeboats was ripped from its moorings and lost, all loose stuff about deck swept away, a slight leak being discovered in our Section, 3 rooms washed out, gave up my bunk for the women, and with another man slept on the hard seats in the waiting room, felt very ill, and sore.

Monday March 18th
Still stormy, from bad to worse a hurricane during the night, we are now in the Bay of Biscay and have every reason to know it.

Tuesday March 19th
Still in the Bay, and very rough, the water constantly coming over the deck, had a try at eating during dinner and met with such success, that I had another meal at tea time, Eureka!

Wednesday March 20th
Up in the morning early, splendid weather, everything O.K. the weather getting better every hour, very hungry, eat like a hunter, went through every course and ready for the next meal, 1 hour after the previous one, a splendid day, and an impromptu concert on deck, finished the day, now off Gibraltar Straits.

Thursday March 21st
Up at 6.0am, Breakfast at 7.0, hungry as ever, went through every course from porridge onward, the weather not quite as bright as yesterday, but very pleasant, had a lazy time lounging and eating, now off Gibraltar straits. Whist Drive & Concert in Dining Saloon tonight, eat well all day and ready for bed at night.

Friday March 22nd
A similar day to the above, everything merry & bright.

Saturday March 23rd
Ditto, as above, had my moustache shaved off.

Sunday March 24th
Similar to the above but much hotter, a glorious day. Saw a flying fish for the first time, in the afternoon a large school of porpoise, and some kind of jumping fish was seen. Divine Service was held on deck at 10.30am and was very impressive. the nights come on rather quickly, it is quite dark by 6.30pm. We are now about half way between the Canary Isles and Cape St. Vincent.

Monday March 25th
Another glorious day, we are now about 4 days from the line, the sun gets very hot during the day, but it is very pleasant at night, not a sail to be seen. Tug of War sports in the afternoon for men.

Tuesday March 26th
Similar to the above, tug of war for Ladies, Sports, etc. finishing up with a Conjuring exhibition on deck passed Cape Verde, Islands about 10.0am.

Wednesday March 27th
Another glorious day, the Children’s sports taking place, and finishing with a concert in the main Saloon.

Thursday March 28th
Similar to the above, very hot, we are now approaching the Equatorial line, preparations are being made to receive old Father Neptune, and his Suite.

Friday March 29th
Very hot today; Father Neptune and his Retinue held a court on deck, several persons were presented to him, and after being lathered and shaved, were finally sent to their home below, the said home being represented by a large canvas tank, about 4 ft deep, a deal of amusement was caused by the manner in which the Loyal subjects were brought to his majesty's court, amongst others, were the ships doctor, the 2nd and 3rd Stewards, all in white suits, were unceremoniously ducked, and they took it in good part, but the crowning act, was the invasion of the Bridge, and the capture, and subsequent ducking of the Marconi operator, who was resplendent in a lovely white uniform, before the presentation, but he looked a different being when he got out of the tank. In the evening we had a concert on deck , with presentation of sports prizes.

Saturday March 30th
Another hot day, nothing doing until night, then we had a Cinderella dance on deck, during the afternoon about 5.0pm we passed the White Star Line "Persic" homeward bound from Melbourne to Liverpool.

Sunday March 31st
Up a 4.0am and finished my sleep on deck. Divine Service on deck, another hot day, we are now nearly half way across the Gulf of Guinea. Mr Alfred Smiths baby died during the night, and was buried at daybreak 6.0am.

Monday April 1st
All fools day, a hot day, but a pleasant head wind blowing, complained to the Captain and his Officers, that our section was short of air, no notice was taken of my complaint, told the officers again on their nightly tour of inspection no interest whatever was taken by then: during the night a baby was seriously ill, but still alive this morning. 2 men ill in our section, Diphtheria feared, Ammonia pipe burst in Forward Refrigerator and Fumes got into Dining Saloon at teatime.

Tuesday April 2nd
Another hot day, with a head wind, during the day a canvas chute was fixed in our section, for admission of air, a slight improvement, but not much, the amidships cabins being as stuffy as ever, great activity on the part of the Powers that be, about 12 Stewards engaged in cleaning out every part of our Section, evidently an outbreak is feared, I consider that F Section is not suitable for human habitation. The usual amusements took place on deck, and the time passes pleasantly enough in the open air, but not in the sleeping quarters, I slept on deck all night.

Wednesday April 3rd
Another bright but very slightly cooler, no doubt due to a stiff head wind, the International tug of War took place, Scotland winning handsomely over the English team, in the evening a Whist Drive in the Saloon, and an impromptu Scotch concert on deck, Bagpipes very prominent, not much music though, 5 more cases of measles taken from F Section, the Ladies waiting room opened as an isolation hospital, more attention is being paid to Hygiene in F Section, but I still consider it unsuitable for human habitation due to stagnant air.

Thursday April 4th
Much cooler today, the wind veering to Southeast, it is a little cooler, and consequently more pleasant.

Friday April 5th
Good Friday, Service on deck morning and Evening, a similar day to yesterday.

Saturday April 6th
A rough morning the water and wind are dead ahead, we are evidently getting the set of the current from round the Cape, quiet day nothing doing.

Sunday April 7th inst Easter Sunday
Another rough day, the boat making slow progress, the outbreak of measles seems to be abating, the weather is much cooler, but the ventilation in F Section is as bad as ever, to bed at 7.30pm.

Monday April 8th
Still rough weather very little progress is being made, due to the head wind and sea, we expect to make Cape Town on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning everybody is busy writing letters, and at the same time speculating weather we shall get ashore or not.

Tuesday April 9th
Rough weather, nothing doing.

April Wednesday 10th
Slightly better weather, all excitement, looking for our first glimpse of land, great controversy as to whether we can land or not, land sighted about 3.0pm, looks like clouds, evidently the range of hills known as the 12 Apostles, after tea, we could make out the lights of the Harbour, and gradually the town lights came into view, everybody stayed on deck, until we dropped our anchor in Table Bay, the weather much better in the bay, but a big swell on.

Thursday April 11th
Great excitement, we had taken a pilot aboard, and lifted our anchor, during the early hours, and when we came on deck, we were surprised to note how near we were to town, the town looks quite insignificant, and is very much overshadowed by Table mountain, the view from the Harbour is splendid, breakfast was much neglected, owing to the general excitement. A tug took us in hand, and we made the harbour safely, and got alongside our coaling station, it was very interesting to see the Cape boys, they are evidently very ignorant, illiterate, and dirty, and dress in all kinds of fantastic garbs. We suddenly got to know, that we could go ashore, and a rush was made to get ready, we got ashore about 10.0am and took the East Pier train to town, we got a good view of the harbour, and shipping ships of all nations coming to view, a German Gunboat, lying by the wharf, attracted much attention, we got to Cape Town and was surprised at the general appearance of the town. Wide streets, massive and beautiful buildings, and everything so clean. I was reminded of Lors St, Southport, everything here is what we call first class at home, and it is very evident that the standard of living is very high, things generally were rather dear, except grapes, we got good black grapes at 2d per pound, we have paid 1/6, at home. We had a swagger lunch, and then took a trip to Camps bay, returning by way of the Lions Head; this trip is considered to be the finest in the peninsular, and we enjoyed it very much, it reminds me of the Electric drives to Ramsey, or Port Soderick I.O.M. We bought a lot of groceries when we got back to town, and took them aboard with us, after tea, we came to town again, but all the shops shut early, it was not so interesting, we got back to our boat, tired, sleepy, and full of grapes.

Friday April 12th
Slept sound all night, in spite of the coaling operations, and got ashore, as soon as we finished breakfast, had another good shopping time, bought deck chairs, 3/11 each, calabach pipe 2/- and 2 small cluster of ostrich feathers 1/9 each, we had to be on board again by 11.0am, so I spent the time whilst we were waiting to cast off , in fishing, I caught one, We cast off, and proceeded to tug our about 3.30pm, of course the usual happened, 2 passengers managed to miss the boat, they were brought out in a motor launch, which had come to us and take off , the Port Officials, our Truants were much lighter in pocket, but heavy in spirits, after the launch Engineer had interviewed them, he made them pay, before they got on the dirty rope ladder, and besides dirty clothes, they had to stand the Condolences? of the passengers, which were freely, and loudly given; the rest of the day was spent in taking our last look at the hills as they gradually faded from view, then to bed, tired out.

Saturday April 13th
Up rather late, everybody seems tired, and played out, the day was spent in recalling our doings at Cape Town, and comparing our various experiences, nothing else doing, weather and wind good.

Sunday April 14th
We are settling down into our usual groove, divine service in the Saloon, morning and night, sleep in the afternoon looked at the log, we are about 400 miles out at noon, all going well, the cape Swell on the water, is very prominent.

Monday April 15th
Up at 6.0 am, wind and weather still in our favour, we had registered 645 miles from the Cape at 6.45am today. I heard that we registered 6,043 miles from l/pool lightship to Table Bay. I wrote a formal complaint on note No 183, duplicate book, and delivered the same to Mr Mitchell, Chief Steward, and again complained of the lack of ventilation in F section, I heard that the Captain, Chief Engineer, etc, had been down to look around, and am hoping for some tangible result. The weather is much cooler, and it was quite dark by 6.0pm. The log registered 775 miles from Table Bay, at 7.0pm.

Tuesday April 16th
Got up late, passed a very bad night due to the crying of children, had a headache all morning, but felt better after a sleep in the afternoon, Blind boxing, Sack races, etc. took place on deck, finishing with a whist drive in the evening. We were transferred to No 7 table at teatime, and are hoping for better service to that received on table 28. The log registered 1,065 miles at 10.0pm, average 10.6, total 254.4 per day.

Wednesday April 17th
Slept well all night, the crying, etc being under better control, rather cold on deck, and the weather is inclined to rain, We heard by "Wireless" that the "Titanic" had gone down on her maiden trip, 1500 lost, she carried about 4000 in all, general depression aboard, over the news; We played a joke on a joiner near Bambers cabin, I posed as a contractor who was engaging men for fencing work, and had engaged Bamber & Quillan, I promised to consider his application, and to let him know in 2 days; slept all afternoon, went on deck after tea, weather more rough, got drenched by a wave, that we shipped, then returned below. The log registered 1289 miles at 7.0pm. Total per day = 253, average per hr 10.57 miles, We had a sweep on the mileage today and the result was given as 275, I cannot account for the difference, in the readings, possibly the log registers in nautical miles, and the result is given in land miles?! Thursday April 18th Slept late, was much disturbed and amused during the night by some women in our section, who endeavoured to coax their respective husbands to give up their all nightly game of cards, and retire to bed, language was both choice, and plentiful, but quietness reigned after 1.0pm perhaps they were short of words, I am, others were certainly short of sleep, very cold this morning, in fact, cold all day, overcoats and wraps, were very prominent, passed the time quietly. Ada indisposed, feeling run down. The log registered 1573 miles at 11.0pm total per 24hrs = 239, aver: per hr 9.98 miles from 11.0pm Wed to 11.0pm Thursday.

Friday April 19th
Slept well, up in time for breakfast, Ada still ill, she saw the Doctor on his rounds, he is treating her for influenza. A cold dull wet morning, everybody inclined to stay below, rather crowded in consequence, spent the day sleeping, reading, etc. The Log registered 1831 at 11.0pm. Total for 24hrs = 258, Av per hr 10.75 miles.

Saturday April 20th
Awake most of the night, had to breakfast at the second table, Ada, slightly better, much improved towards night, rough weather, and cold winds, spent all morning in the Saloon playing Dominoes, slept all afternoon, A Scotch concert in the evening, Bagpipes very prominent, some good old Scotch? songs were sung, amongst others being "Love Me,! and the world is mine," also a Scotch? clog dance; Some Scotch Whisky was drunk, mainly by the English, it is 6d a tot, enough said?!! The weather was very rough, during the afternoon, the deck being constantly washed, several persons getting drenched, I saw one lady get knocked down and wet through, the water running from her, in a small stream, as she made her way below, the Log registered 2080 miles at 11.0pm total per 24hrs = 249, Av, per hr = 10.37 miles.

Sunday April 21st
Up early, we had Bacon and Egg, for breakfast, quite a startling event, we were wondering if the powers that be, had taken leave of their senses, this was the first palatable breakfast we have had during the trip. A quiet morning, Divine Service in the Saloon, at dinner we were supplied with fruit, 1 apple, and 1 orange to each passenger, we were now convinced that the powers that be had taken leave of their senses. At tea, we got back to the eternal stew, evidently, the preceding meals were too good to last, the weather was a trifle rough, and we had a tossing in the afternoon, which reminded us of our experiences in the Bay. The Log registered 2330 miles at 11.0pm, total per 24 hrs = 250 av. per hr = 10.42 miles.

Monday April 22nd
Up Late, had a very bad night, couldn’t get to sleep at all, missed breakfast, had a quiet day, Ada's head very bad, getting better towards night; The weather continues very cold, a severe hailstorm at tea time sending the people below, nothing much doing, the log registered 2580 Miles at 10.0pm = 261 miles per 24 hrs, Av, per hr = 10.9.

Tuesday April 23rd
Up late, just in time for breakfast, we had a quiet morning, the weather continues very rough indeed, a cold wind with hail and rainstorms, asleep during the afternoon, Annie got kicked by another girl, and the girls mother was evidently vexed at my remonstrance, played dominoes all the evening, The log registered 2839 miles, at 10.30pm = 254 per 24 hrs. Av per hr = 10.6.

April Wednesday 24th
The weather slightly better; but got misty and wet during the day, we passed a sailing ship, about 5.0pm. evidently going the same way as us, a very quiet day, nothing doing, the log registered 3093 miles at 10.30pm = 254 miles per 24 hrs, Av per hr = 10.6.

Thursday April 25th
The weather improving in early morning, but got colder, with rain in the afternoon, a quiet day, nothing doing, everyone seems to be tired, and longing to land at Melbourne, the log registered 3356 Miles at 10.30pm, = 263 miles per 24 hrs, Av. per hr = 10.96.

Friday 26th April
The weather much improved, and warmer, we have changed our course to East ½ North, and are evidently heading straight for Melbourne, the weather improved still more during the day, and it was quite pleasant on deck, games were in full vogue again, We had a glorious moonlight tonight, quite a treat, the log registered 3624 mils at 10.30pm = 268 miles per 24 hrs, Av per hr = 11.17 miles.

Saturday April 27th
Up late, had a sleepless night, the weather has turned out rough again, a strong swell on the sea, and a stiff cross wind blowing, spent the day quietly, in the evening we had the Stewards concert, and it was by far the best event of the voyage, there is evidently some good talent amongst the men, the junior Doctor assisted, and sang a coon song, The log registered 3874 miles at 11.0pm = 245 per 24 hrs Av per hr = 10.2 miles.

Sunday April 28th
Up early, Ham and egg for breakfast, the weather a trifle fresh, with a strong wind, Divine Service was held in the Saloon, We sighted a Steamer evidently bound for New Zealand, the night turned out beautiful, a clear sky, full moon, and a mild wind, 2 more children were taken from F Section, with measles, but the Doctor? allowed them to be brought back to their bunks, another child was buried this morning, I believe that this is the fourth death during the trip so far, The log registered 4110 miles = 240 for 24 hrs Av per hr = 10 miles, reading taken at 10.0 pm.

Monday April 29th
Up late, but got to breakfast, afterwards on the deck a splendid morning, brilliant sun, smooth sea, and a fair wind, we got our landing tickets today, had our Photo's taken, once in a group of people from Preston, and again as the family only, the children’s concert was given tonight, and was a pronounced success, a great credit to the promoters, the night turned out a splendid moonlight one, and I quite enjoyed a stroll on the deck, the log registered 4384 at 10.30 pm = 268 miles per 24 hrs Av per hr = 11.2 miles.

Tuesday April 30th
A beautiful morning, during the day we saw some whales, but they were rather far away, we could only see the spouting, and occasionally see their backs, everyone is guessing as to when we will land, and getting ready for the same, We had another clear moonlight night, and I stayed on deck until 11.30pm. The log registered 4644 at 10.30pm = 260 miles per 24 hrs Av per hr = 10.8 miles.

Wednesday May 1st
Up early, on deck before breakfast, the weather good, but not quite as warm as yesterday, We started packing, about 11.0am, and finished about 3.0pm, another beautiful moonlight night, Ada and myself, quite enjoyed our stroll after supper, some whales were seen today, off our Port bow, We expect to land, or at least anchor off Melbourne by Sunday night The log registered 4890 Miles at 10.30pm, = 246, for 24 hrs. Av; per hr = 10.25, miles.

Thursday May 2nd
Up late, about 3.0 am an interesting event took place on board, a lady giving birth to a daughter, both doing well, had a easy morning on deck, the weather being grand. slept all afternoon, during the evening we got our tickets for luggage to land, it looks like coming to a finish, We are all anxious to land, the log registered 5145 Miles at 10.30pm = 255 for 24 hrs, av per hr. = 10.62 miles.

Friday May 3rd
Up in time to have a short stroll before breakfast, A lovely sunrise, but the weather went dull later on, followed by rain, A farewell concert was arranged for, but owing to the refusal of the Chief Steward to take the chair the concert was postponed until tomorrow, Saturday, I gathered that the Chief Steward took umbrage against a petition, which is to be sent to the Victorian Government suggesting remedies for faults, which undoubtedly exist, and pleading for better conditions, for the benefit of future emigrants, whom the Victorian Government, may send out, A counter petition was at once got out, asking all who are perfectly satisfied with their treatment on board, during the trip, to testify to the same, so there the matter stands at present, and passengers are divided into two camps, much discussion is still taking place, as I write this, at 11.30pm. and all other subjects go by the board. The log registered 5411 Miles at 10.30pm. = 268 miles per 24 hrs, Av per hr = 11.17 miles.

Saturday May 4th
A rather dull morning. everyone excited over the events of last night, several of the supporters of the counter petition, came down F. Section to read the original petition, and three of them signed the same, the evidently quite agreed with the text of it, the rest of the committee who had been working the opposition, looked like, and no doubt, felt like fools, the result is, that the original petition goes to the Victorian Government, with more signatures than was on, previous to this agitation, Another interesting event took place this afternoon, a baby girl being born, both mother and child doing well, several more cases of measles taken into Hospital today, Mr Badgers son age 16, was also put in the Isolation Hospital with the same complaint, We expect to reach Port Melbourne some time tomorrow, The log register red 5679 miles at 10.30pm, = 268 miles per 24 hrs. Av per hr = 11.17 miles.

Sunday May 5th
Up early, land in Sight, everyone excited, after breakfast, we took a Pilot aboard, we were then about 70 miles from Melbourne, the approach to the Bay is beautiful, We got newspapers aboard from the Pilot boat, and it was quite a treat to hear from the outside world. During the morning, another case of measles was taken from F. Section, a married woman. being taken to Hospital We had a lot of bother, about getting ready to land, first one order would be given to the passengers, and, shortly after be countermanded, evidently, the White Star people were in a fog, However, we are now moored to the wharf, but we are not allowed to land at present, the Government officials came aboard, and had a talk to us, they said that there was a job for everyone, and our names, and tickets were taken, we have an appointment, in the morning to settle matters up, evidently the Victorian Government mean to do things in a proper manner. We had quite a reception on being sighted, thousands of people had gathered to see us come in, and quite a lot of petrol launches, were engaged, running people around the ship, as she made her way up the Bay, We are all quite pleased with our reception so far, and are anxiously waiting for tomorrow.

Monday May 6th
Up early to take a look at Melbourne, the people here don't start work as early as the English people, the whole of the day was spent on deck, quite a lot of people came down to see friends and relatives, but nobody was allowed to leave the ship, and none but officials allowed to board her. The Port Authorities, are undecided as to weather we must go in quarantine, due to the measles aboard, and they have not decided yet what is to be done with us, We are creating quite a sensation judging by the papers, 4 of our Stewards broke ship this afternoon, and came back gloriously drunk, they are likely to be given into custody tomorrow, as I understand that the Ship is liable to £100 penalty for each person that goes ashore, without leave, from the Port Officials, The Australian people that we have come in touch with so far, are very obliging indeed, and are taking great pains to let us know that we are welcome, they are strangers to us, yet they willingly convey messages, post letters, and bring us fruit and other little dainties, We appreciate their kindness very much, and contrast their conduct and manners, to what we have seen at home, comparison in this case, is odious; We got some fresh butter brought for us, 1/3 lbs, I haven’t tasted butter since I left home, until tonight, and the experience was delightful; Another baby died on board this afternoon, from convulsions, this being the fifth death since we left Liverpool, This ship is evidently not a Sanatorium, !!

Tuesday May 7th
A fine morning, no news yet, about quarantine, We saw the labourers prepare to unload the ship, and we made sure that we would land today, however, it was not to be, we soon got to know that the cargo only was to go ashore, and the passengers were to go in quarantine. An indignation meeting was held, and a threat made to rush the gangway, this alarmed the authorities, and a Government Official was sent for, to pacify us things looked ugly for a bit, but after a speech by the Official wiser counsel prevailed, all grievances were brought forward and the men advised to send a deputation to the Captain it was stated that this had been already done, but no satisfaction had been received, The Official then went away to confer, with the Minister for Immigration, with the result that the Government will send us as much Fresh Butter, Fruit, and Milk, as may be required, We were also strongly advised to be patient, and they promised to do the best they can for us, as soon as possible, we will be taken in batches and passed through the fumigating process, and then allowed to go, of course, those affected, must remain. We have just had tea, of bread fresh butter, and kippers and it has been the most enjoyed meal in the boat, we have never before, had a more satisfying meal, the White Star Co are falling into disrepute, owing to the manner in which we are treated, and something more will be made of this, now that the Government, have taken the matter in hand, later, we are informed that the unloading of cargo must cease, and the ship will go out to the quarantine Station, at 8.0am tomorrow, the Ship officials are wearing a subdued look, and evidently do not like the turn that events are taking.

Wednesday May 8th
Up early, we had a splendid breakfast, and were very much interested in the preparations made to tow us out, we got under weigh about 9.30am, and took up our position in the Bay about 2.30pm, speculation was rife, as to what would be the next proceeding, however, 100 men were told off, and canvas bags were issued to them, so that a change of clothing could be put on after they had been through the ordeal, the rest of the night was spent, in getting out the luggage from the Baggage room, I got my tool box, and found the lid had been smashed in, otherwise it was apparently OK. The 100 men were told to be ready to go by 8.0am in the morning, and another 100 men, told to prepare, all the infected persons from the Ships Hospital were taken off in boats, during the afternoon.

Thursday May 9th
Up early and went on deck; during the night the ship had swung to her anchor, and was much nearer to the shore, we had a good view, the place looks lovely, during the morning a boat load of canvas bags ready packed with clothes, was taken off, to shore, but nobody has been taken as yet, we were served with liver and bacon for breakfast, the menu has improved very much, since the Government took matters into their own hands, about 40 women who had children in the Hospital, were allowed to go ashore to spend 1 hour with them, and came back delighted with all they saw. We have been told that the first batch of men leave at daybreak tomorrow, and it is hoped to deal with 200 men during the day. I have just heard the final instructions, the first boat containing 20 men, with all their luggage, will cast off, from the Ship at 7.0am Sharp, and as soon as one boat goes, the next must get ready, after being disinfected, the men must remain in the vicinity, meals will be provided, and the tug will take the men and their belongings to Melbourne, where they will be met by Officials, and sent to Lodgings for the night, on the following morning they must go to the Government Offices, and arrangements will be made for placing them in situations.

Friday May 10th
Up early to see the first boat load of men put off for shore they left prompt at 7.0am, and other batches were sent off as required during the day, a tug called to take the lot up to Melbourne about 4.30pm, 174 men were dealt with today. A discussion arose during the morning about fruit, which had been put aboard for the children, many enquiries were made about it, but the only answer that could be got, was that it had been given out to children, We got this answer so often, that it became monotonous, however a census was taken, and 310 names received of children who had not received any fruit, and it was impossible to get hear of any child who had received any fruit, this was pointed out to the Government Official, but he waived the matter on one side, and refused to discuss it any further, however, after all this trouble, 1 apple was served out to each person, and some oranges were given out to children, later in the day It is quite evident, that passiveness, does not pay on this ship, if you want anything, you must kick up a row before you get it, since writing the above, sweets, chocolate, etc have been given out, the Chief Steward, and the Government Officials, gave them to children as they passed then on their rambles, but the children who were put to bed early, missed all these, Some Policemen were brought aboard owing to a rumour getting out that the ship was going to be fired, We all enjoyed the joke, I hear that, a Mr Russell, who got ashore this afternoon, has since been arrested, on account of Bankruptcy proceedings.

Saturday May 11th
Up early to watch the departures for the quarantine station, 204 passengers were passed through today, during the afternoon, we got a consignment of papers, sent to us, needless to say, they were very welcome; the boat is beginning to look less crowded, and there is now plenty of room at the dining tables, we spent the afternoon unpacking, and repacking, in preparation for removal, when our turn comes.

Sunday May 12th
Up early, we learn that passengers will not be disembarked today, during the day some more officials came aboard, and after dinner they took a census of the passengers, We were lucky enough to get, bags to pack our clothes for fumigation purposes, and sent them across to the Hospital, we are now waiting anxiously for instructions, and are hoping to get away tomorrow.

Monday May 13th
Still on board, no chance of getting off today, the difficulty has arisen of the young children, the authorities desire that the women and children be left behind, and the men to go on, an indignation meeting was held in the dining saloon, a deputation went to see the Government Officials, but got no satisfaction, in effect, they were told to go to Hell, this was conveyed to the meeting, and a resolution was put and carried, that all married men, with families on board, refuse to leave the ship, unless accompanied by their families, the Officials, seem to be stubborn, but the passengers, seem to be more so, and it is doubtful weather any shipments will take place tomorrow. I hear that we are down on the list for going, and are waiting anxiously for the morning, and wondering how things will turn out. The Stewards are getting dissatisfied with their little lot, and altogether, things are getting lively, events should turn out ferry interesting, during the next few days.

Tuesday May 14th
Up early and quite expectant to hear that we are to go ashore but there are no signs of any boat lists, and eventually we hear that the Minister for Immigration is coming aboard at 10.0am to decide what is to be done, We hold ourselves in patience until He arrives at 11.30am, a deputation is called for, from the passengers, and 2 men and women attend the conference, various proposals were discussed, and at length it was decided to have a public meeting on the deck, when the Minister would address us, after He had conferred with the authorities on shore, At the meeting the following arrangements, were given out. Men and women could go and take their children with them, providing that all are free from infection, and that a Statutory declaration is made, that the children have previously had measles; those children who have not had measles, will be kept under observation, for a short time, and then allowed to go, Provision will be made for housing about 500 people on the Headland, if necessary so that, if parents desire, they may stay there, whilst the children, who are in Hospital, can be discharged, the usual programme of disembarking will be started early tomorrow, and continued until all passengers are off, and the ship cleared.

Originally Bartholomew Duffy was to come out first, but he decided that the whole family would come together. He gave Ada just one week to sell all of their belongings that they could not bring with them. This was told to me by Annie Cariss (nee Duffy) aged 86 at the time of printing up the diary.

(First transcribed and printed by Pam Sheers on the 15th November 1989).

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