The stone of the McNeill family grave at Mataura will be difficult to read at the bottom of this story, so I have recorded the relevant portion below:
"In the memory of the wife of
ALEXANDER McNEILL
and two children ANNIE died 20th Sept. 1849
aged 4 years. MARY McLACHLAN his wife
died 21 September 1849, aged 25 years
both of cholara on the Ship Mooltan
committed to the deep between the Islands
of Madeira and Teneriffe
MARY who died of hooping cough at Arden Bay
28 February 1850. Aged 1 year
and who lies buried in Port Chalmers"
LATEST ENGLISH INTELLIGENCE.
[From the "Otago News," December 29.]
The fine new ship Mooltan, from the Clyde, arrived here on Wednesday, the 26th instant, after a run of 106 days. On leaving Greenock she had 158 passengers on board; but lost nine from an epidemic similar to the cholera, which broke out during the passage, and six from various other causes: reducing the original number to 143, all of whom, with two exceptions, are for this place.
By the arrival of the Mooltan we are placed in possession of English news to the 11th September. Trade had been very dull, owing in some measure to the uncertainty of the harvest operations. The cholera in London and some of the provincial towns was on the increase, carrying off the rich and the poor in its deadly embrace. Her Majesty and Prince Albert were residing at their shooting lodge on the borders of Loch Muick, near to Balmoral. France was wonderfully quiet; a Peace Congress, composed of delegates of different nations, was the only proceeding of interest to the public. The trials of the insurrectionists were still proceeding at Baden, and the proceedings of the court-martial were marked by unusual rigour. Hundreds of the most patriotic spirits over Italy and Germany have had their career terminated within a few hours by those judicial murderers. The triumvirate of Cardinals at Rome had appointed a commission, charged with prosecuting the authors and accomplices of the acts committed during the revolutionary period, against religion, its ministers, the majesty of the sovereign, and private as well as public security. The rumour of the invasion of Cashmere's lovely vale is without foundation, and the new commander-in-chief is thus left for a short time to repose under the shady groves of Simla. News from America are favorable to the manufacturers of Britain; and the most flattering encouragement is held out to embark large stocks for the American market.
London Money Market, Sept. 6. — Consols left off at 92 5/8 for money and account.; 3 per cent, reduced were done at 92 3/4 5/8; new three-and-a-quarter per cents. at 99 3/4 7/8; long annuities at 8 5/8, 11-16; exchequer bills, 39s. to 42s. prem.; India bonds, 75s prem. -Wellington Independent, 16/1/1850.
Alexander was 26 when he arrived at Otago and originally settled with his family at Arden Bay in Otago Harbour, later moving to the future site of Balclutha. His father operated a boat to cross the Clutha River.
The arrival of a ship with the possibility of cholera aboard caused some worry in the new town of Dunedin, but William Cargill, Resident Agent, was able to report that the arriving ship had been inspected by himself and a doctor and he was confident that the disease had not arrived with the ship.
The Mooltan was on its maiden voyage and shortly after was sold and its name was changed.
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