Wow! I hadn't realised the scale of people coming after gold http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/5704145 The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Monday 16 September 1861, Page 4 (article in small print towards the bottom of clipping) [split into paragraphs to make it easier to read] Sandridge Pier was on Saturday last the scene of great excitement, from the crowds of diggers embarking for Otago, and the almost equally numerous body assembled to see them off, and give them a parting cheer. About 2,000 persons sailed for the new gold-field in the course of the day, almost all of them experienced miners. Amongst them were a party organized and headed by Mr. Edwards, the original discoverer of gold at Clunes, who proposes thoroughly to prospect the scene of the recent discoveries. The day was beautiful, with a fresh breeze from the north-west, and the scene as the vessels got under way was extremely animated. The first off was the Empress of the Sea, carrying upwards of 600 passengers. She was followed by the steam-ship Oscar, with 354 ; the ship Lightning, with upwards of 700 ; and the barque Benjamin Heape, with about 100 ; while the barque Oscar cleared out to follow, with some 120 diggers. Favoured by the wind, the splendid clipper-ships Empress and Lightning soon passed out of view down channel, after canvas was put upon them ; while the Oscar, with full steam on and canvas set, made a favourable commencement of her voyage. Large as this exodus was, it has not exhausted the stream of emigrants ; and the fine Blackwall clipper Result has now been added to the fleet on the berth for Otago, for which port she sails on Wednesday. Probably the Hobson's Bay Railway Company never took down more passengers in one day than on Saturday last. While the New Zealand ships were getting to sea, the Wellesley was taking on board the last of her cargo for London ; and, when she is included, it may fairly be reckoned that over £20,000 were paid for passages by the ships named ; and it is a reasonable estimate that £60,000 were taken from the colony by the emigrants.

Yes - from 1860 to 1863, Otago's population went about 12,500 to about 77,000 Bob M On 16/03/2014 2:34 p.m., Graham Hoult wrote: > Wow! I hadn't realised the scale of people coming after gold > > http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/5704145 > > The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Monday 16 September 1861, Page 4 > > (article in small print towards the bottom of clipping) > [split into paragraphs to make it easier to read] > >