2-791-720 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Migrants' Farewell, 1844. British working class families travelling to Canada, Australia and other colonies: '...vast numbers of persons have availed themselves of the Government grant to quit their native shores for the purpose of seeking a better subsistence in the land of the stranger; and when we look at the existing condition of a considerable portion of our agricultural and manufacturing population, it excites but little wonder that a feverish restlessness should arise for change'. The application form stated '...their name written by themselves (if they can write)...'. Male applicants considered were '...agricultural labourers, shepherds, bricklayers, and masons, wheelwrights, smiths, carpenters...' and must be '...honest, industrious, sober - of general good character, and not likely to become a burthen to the Colony'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.