Title: H.M.S. Buffalo
Description: "The South Austrailian colonising fleet of 1836. The South Australian Bill had been passed by the British Parliament, and by late 1835 sufficient funds raised through the sale of colonial lands to permit the new Province to be established. The dreams of those hoping to found a colony in accordance with principles laid down by Edward Gibbon Wakefield came yet closer to realisation on 22 February 1836 with the sailing of the South Australian Company's schooner John Pirie, laden with stock, provisions, and emigrants. She was followed by three other Company ships -- the whaling barques Duke of York and Lady Mary Pelham, and the chartered brig Emma. A second group of vessels to set out for South Australia were those of the Colonization Commissioners: the chartered barque Cygnet and the Commissioners' brig Rapid -- which together brought out the Surveyor-General and his staff --^

and the H.M.S. Buffalo, which they engaged to take out Governor, officials, and emigrants in the course of a voyage to New Zealand for spars. Two further vessels, the barques Africaine and Tam O'Shanter were chartered by private individuals to take out emigrants and supplies. Storms delayed the departure of most ships, making long voyages even more lengthy, and a welcome break was enjoyed by some at Rio de janeiero, and by others at the Cape. The Rapid lived up to its name by making a direct 112 day passage, which was considered by second officer Pullen to be too pleasant to be worth describing in detail. The Cygnet took 172 days over a tedious voyage which like that of the Buffalo led to much argument between landsmen cooped up together in a small ship. Altogether, more than five hundred emigrants made the voyage. There were few deaths, an on the other hand, there were about as many births on board ship.^

The people were fed in accordance with usual naval ration scales, and accommodation arrangements similar to those detailed on the Buffalo's plans were provided on the other ships as well. The Buffalo anchored at Holdfast Bay on 28 December 1836. Ashore at Glenelg, the Orders in Council, and the Governor's Commission were read, government officials sworn in, and a proclamation was issued giving the aboriginals equal protection under the law. The anniversary of Proclamation Day is still celebrated in South Australia. The various records of the Buffalo and her voyage throw light on proceedings of the whole colonising fleet, and give tribute to the pioneers who were willing to face along sea voyage in order to start a new life on the other side of the world." -- Inside front and back covers.
Subjects: Buffalo (Ship), Colonization, Emigration and immigration, Voyages and travels
Places: South Australia