Does anyone know the history of England well enough to explain to me why people were leaving England for places like South Australia and New Zealand in the 1840's and 50's? If it was for homestead land like I suspect how could they afford the cost of traveling there and how did folks in little villages get word of such land? Sharon

Hi Sharon No (or little) food at home, agriculture going into big business meaning nothing much for the individual. Attraction of the new places.. and, after early 1850s - GOLD. Australia (well some parts of it) was conducting immigration drives as they may be called now. And, the people administering the workhouses decided sensibly it was cheaper to pay for the whole family to emigrate (which involved fares and a kit for the voyage of clothes, utensils etc) than it was to support the whole lot for years at home. Put it all together and it is not at all surprising people were flocking out of England. Especially when some folk went back and said how good it was etc, and there were already in many cases family and friends here. All the best Dawn (Melbourne Australia) -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Sharon Sent: Wednesday, 31 January 2007 3:53 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [ENG-CAMS] English History lesson Does anyone know the history of England well enough to explain to me why people were leaving England for places like South Australia and New Zealand in the 1840's and 50's? If it was for homestead land like I suspect how could they afford the cost of traveling there and how did folks in little villages get word of such land? Sharon ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.16/660 - Release Date: 30/01/2007 5:04 PM