AUS-VIC-WESTERN-DISTRICT-L Archives

From: "Joan Fawcett" <>
Subject: [AUS-VIC-West] Immigration
Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 22:42:52 +1100

In regard to the Geelong and Portland Bay Immigration scheme.....the following URL gives a brief explanation.
The index there of names covers probably about 1/2 of those who made their way to Victoria from Tasmania.
http://www.hotkey.net.au/~jwilliams4/geelong2.htm

If your ancestor was in the south western district pre 1842, there is probably a 80 percent chance he came from Tasmania, or via Launceston.

Ships that arrived at Port Fairy and Portland prior to 1842 regularly called at Launceston/George Town or Melbourne before or after arriving at the Port Fairy & Portland.

The south western district had a very strong contingent of ex convicts from Tasmania, and New South Wales, or the children of ex convicts from either of those places.

In regard to International immigrant ships.....William Rutledge was one of those who really pushed for Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland to receive immigrants direct. Portland was the safer option for vessels arriving, with Port Fairy second. Warrnambool did not even receive a breakwater for many years after settlement.

The following is a table of unassisted immigration for July-December, 1851.

Origion Portland Port Fairy Melbourne.
UK 20 Nil 1,731
SA & WA 1 Nil 2,500
VDL (Tas) 56 23 3,721
NSW Nil 26 950



The following is a table showing MOVEMENT WITHIN THE SOUTH WEST OF ASSISTED IMMIGRANTS ARRIVING PER THE OITONIA in 1855
Portland: 179
Belfast 82
Rosebrook 2
Warrnambool 25
Hopkinsn River 8
Hamilton 9
Wannon River 3
Harrow 2
Fiery Creek 2
Spring Creek 1
Harton Hills 3
Rifle Range 4
Fulham station 3
Melbourne 11



the following is a table showing UNASSISTED IMMIGRATION TO THE SOUTH WEST 1855.

Origin Portland Belfast Warrnambool
Great Britain 49 9
NSW 3 24 15
VDL 45 3
SA & WA 92 25
Other 4


When the HOOGHLY arrived at Portland in 1854, with immigrants, the disposal lists were recorded as follows (Example)


NAME Pat Barry
CALLING Agricultural Labourer
NATIVE COUNTRY Tipperary
RELIGON R & W (read and write)
EDUCATION RC
AGE 28
BY WHOM ENGAGED own account. Belfast (meaning he had paid his own fare.and was going to Belfast)
HOW MUCH/RATIONS


NAME Oliver Commins
CALLING Shopman
NATIVE COUNTRY Tipperary
RELIGON R & W (read and write)
EDUCATION RC
AGE 21
BY WHOM ENGAGED R.H.Woodward. Belfast. 70/6 (this means he was employed by R.H.Woodward of Belfast ,and that he was engaged at 70 pounds for 6 months.
HOW MUCH/RATIONS

and etc.



The desire for labourers were so great that when a ship was known to be due at Portland, that he rode over from Port Fairy late at night so that he was first on the boat in the morning. He signed up his labourers (as well some for other squatters) and
was off the boat before the morning began. Others were very hissy with him as he took the cream of the labour.

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• [AUS-VIC-West] Immigration by "Joan Fawcett" <>