A cargo box themed around the first European immigrant ship to sail direct from UK to Timaru. - Photo Roselyn Fauth

First Immigrant Ship to sail direct from UK to Timaru. Departed October 12 1858 and arrived January 14 1859. Image: R. Morris (2009). Courtesy South Canterbury Museum 2008/237.01

England was a wealthy country, but wealth was unevenly distributed.

Bread, potatoes and dried peas were the diet of the working class person. A loaf of bread cost half a worker’s weekly wage. So in the hope of a better life, they sailed to the new colony. This was 18 years after signing of The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

In 1858, the British government subsidized 50% of the fare for working-class immigrants traveling to New Zealand.

The Strathallan, carrying mostly English passengers with some from Scotland, Ireland, and Germany, left with 250 passengers, including 30 children under 10 years old.

Despite some hardships, like the loss of five children and two adults during the voyage, the Strathallan was considered fortunate compared to other immigrant ships.

On the way, a severe storm caused a broken top-sail, and passengers feared for their lives. There were no lifeboats.

After 90 days at sea, the Strathallan arrived in Timaru in 1859, but many passengers were disappointed by the barren, treeless coastal landscape. Some thought they would arrive at place the third of the size of London, but arrived to see only five houses in Timaru, including the Cains, Woollcombes and Williams and a small population of Maori. The settlers initially slept in Rhodes' woolshed until their houses were built.

A year later, 200 lived in Timaru raising their families and working as clergy, laborers, shepherds, and craftsmen.

By 1866 the population was around 1000.

Art History sign from the Aigantighe Art History Coastal Trail. Three signs are incorporated into the playground to help share stories through art. Artwork by Sue Tennant - Photo Roselyn Fauth