Emigrating to New Zealand

20 October 1840

Dear Grandma,
                   How are you? I hope you are feeling fine today in England. I am feeling great. It took us five months to get to New Zealand and settle down on the land.
          While we were on the ship a little boy next to me died of whooping cough and I was very sad. 
          Some of us had to sleep in the hold which was immediately below the main deck.When it was stormy they had to shut the hatches so we didn't get wet. Each of the families had to sleep in a bunk 2.4 metres by 1.8 metres. In the hold there was no windows and no fresh air and light. It was boring in the hold and we were all squished up. 
           We had to eat porridge, ships biscuits with weevils in them, salted meat and potatoes. Sixty five children died from dysentery and whooping cough. Biscuits with weevils in them  made some people sick.
          When we finally arrived in New Zealand it looked like it was filled with trees and swamps. We had to put our tent up near thick bushes. Now we are living in a raupo hut. Soon we will build our real house with wood and build a school.

I miss you in England.
Love from
Mary