2-889-344 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Emigration to Australia - Farewell Group Meeting of the Family Colonisation Loan Society, 1850. Emigrants leaving for Australia in the Slain's Castle, met at the British Institution, Tabernacle-row, City-road, London. 'The number amounted in all to upwards of 200 souls...amongst whom there were ninety children and forty single females, who would be placed under the care of the more responsible persons'. Present at the meeting was Mrs. Chisholm, the founder of the association, who while in Australia, had '...made it her especial business to act as the friend of the emigrants [and] her services were performed gratuitously...A gentleman who had recently returned from Australia then addressed the meeting, pointing out the beauties of the climate, the healthfulness of the soil, and the numerous advantages to be derived from a well-organised system of emigration into the country'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.