Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor … the SHALIMAR’s passenger list didn’t mention these occupations, only farmer, labourer, carpenter, joiner, mason, clerk, hatter, miller, servant. However, by the time the 182 adult passengers had settled down and their children had grown up, occupations included a tinsmith-turned-plumber (John Clemshaw SWALES), a brickmaker (John LONGWORTH), a general store owner (James GARDEN), gold miners (James FAUGHEY, James CURTAIN, Patrick DARCEY …) and the proprietor of a transport firm (Annabella (née McCORMICK) WRIGHT). As well, George RYMER had started a coach business and Peter William MELLING and Thomas KIDD were both postmasters. Inevitably some of the would-be farmers had realised that their land wasn’t suitable for productive farming or that farming wasn’t for them. A number of passengers decided that New Zealand didn’t meet their expectations. Among those who went to Australia are Charles and Elisa CLEVELAND whose second son, Orlando, became a popular dancing instructor, Robert ESSAM, Albert de GUYLAY, and Septimus MASON.
If you are a descendant of the above or another SHALIMAR passenger, I would love to hear from you. Please get in touch if you would like to share your ancestor’s story. carolynmckenzie@libero.it

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