Collingwood Ship in probably a British) port. Photograph by Layton

Barque Collingwood - Unidentified photographer, 1870s to 1880s

The Lincolnshire familys who provided much of the labour for the  thinly populated uplands in the northern wolds and on the coastal marshlands to the North Sea\ They were from the villages such as Keelby, Laceby, Caistor and Grasby. Protests against low wages broke out in and in the Laceby area it was the farmers themselves were targeted: "if you do not raise [workers] wages, you must suffer by consequence" read one written warning. The movement gained momentum and more than two thousand emigrants were recruited by the Laceby local agent, John H. White, between 1874 and 1879, among them, the Hodsons. 10 Jul 1875: Last night the steamers Rangatira and Manawatu towed a large English ship with immigrants into quarantine. It will not be known until the Health Officer comes back but the sicknes is said to be diptheria.The health of the passengers has been bad throughout the whole voyage, febrile diseases being very prevalent. The first death occurred thirteen days after leaving London. Altogether eighteen children and two adults died on the voyage. One of the latter deaths was a case of suicide, an immigrant named Alfred Button, 26 years of age, having jumped overboard while suffering from depression of spirits owing to his wife and children being ill with fever. Dr. Hamilton, his son, and the mate, have all been severely ill on the voyage, and there are now fifty cases under treatment, the major' portion being Scarlet, typhoid, and enteric fevers, skin diseases, &c. The last death occurred the day before yesterday. The disembarkation of the* passengers commenced this afternoon. The Collingwood is commanded by Captain Black.

Collingwood Ship: 1014 tons: Captain: Black ; Surgeon Superintendent: A P Hamilton

Sailed London, Gravesend 8th April 1875 -arrived Wellington 9th July 1875

This vessel was listed to sail from London and land 286 passengers at New Plymouth, but fever broke out on the voyage, and the Captain put into Wellington, arriving on July 10th. As there were 50 cases of scarlet fever under treatment on board, the vessel was ordered into quarantine. She had 293 passengers, and those for New Plymouth, when released, were taken on by the steamer Taupo. White Wings - Sir Henry Brett

During the voyage of the Collingwood there were 20 deaths of which 15 were children. There were 4 births.

Somes Island, July 15: ARRIVAL OF THE SHIP COLLINGWOOD FROM LONDON: It is our painful duty to have to chronicle the arrival of the above ship with so much sickness on board, and we regret to add that death has been very busy amongst the immigrants during the voyage from London. No less than twenty deaths occurred; eighteen being children and one an adult, who fell victims to those dread maladies - scarlatina, scarlet, typhoid, and enteric fevers. A very melancholy death took place on the 30th of May. One of the men named Alfred Button committed suicide by jumping overboard. The reasons assigned for this rash act are that Button was suffering from a depression of spirits in consequence of his wife and family being stricken down with sickness. Dr Hamilton and his son, his subordinate - were also attacked by fever, but we are happy to say they are now quite convalescent. At present there are fifty cases under treatment for typhoid fever and scarlatina, but we trust that the change of air and diet will work wonders amongst the patients. The task of landing the immigrants at Somes Island was satisfactorily effected on Saturday, under the able supervision of the immigration authorities, and Captain Black and Dr Hamilton of the Collingwood. The Collingwood is a splendid iron clipper ship, and has proved to be a very fast sailer, making the run in 84 days. We have been unable to obtain a full report of the passage, but we learn that she finally took leave of the pilot in the English Channel on the 16th of April and experienced moderate fine weather throughout the passage. In all probability the Collingwood will come up to the wharf about the end of this week. Before so doing she will be properly fumigated and cleansed, so that all danger of any disease spreading will be removed .

Letters to the Agent General transmitting reports upon Immigrant ships