Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1850. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... A SKETCH OF THE COLONIAL LIFE MRS. CHISHOLM. In February, 1846, a committee was formed in Sydney for the purpose of presenting to Mrs. Chisholm, then on the eve of departing for England, a testimonial of the estimation in .which her services on behalf of the emigrant population were held by the colonists. Among the committee were eight members of the Legislative Council, the mayor of Sydney, and other leading magistrates and merchants, without distinction of politics or religion. In a very short time 150 guineas were raised, and presented to her with the following address: -- "We, the undersigned members of council, magistrates, landholders, merchants, and others, inhabitants of New South Wales, beg to offer you, on the occasion of your departure from this colony, the expression of our thanks for your active and zealous exertions on behalf of the emigrant population during the last seven years. "We feel assured that the extraordinary efforts which you have made have been dictated by a spirit of the most enlightened benevolence. In the establishment of an Emigrant's Home in Sydney, and in procuring the advantageous settlement of great numbers of the emigrant population in the interior, as servants, and occupants of small farms, your exertions have proved of signal advantage to the community. "In the large collection of statistical facts and 'voluntary information' which you have derived from the labouring classes, you have accumulated materials for establishing the great advantages which New South Wales possesses as a favourable field for the emigration of British Settlers." Mrs. Chisholm accepted the testimonial, in order to expend it in further promoting emigration, in restoring wives to husbands, and children to parents. In the course of her answer, she said "I...